Chapter 059 Shimizu Akira is a Scoundrel / Handprint on the Chest for the Third Time!
Shimizu Akira followed Nanase Tsubasa through the corridor, making several turns until they reached a lounge area on the third floor of the cruise ship.
It was much quieter here than on the deck; only a few scattered students were chatting on sofas or browsing their phones. Nanase Tsubasa scanned the room, her gaze landing on a corner by the window.
"She's over there."
Akira followed her line of sight. Tsubaki Sakurako was sitting alone by the window, a cup of coffee on the table, staring expressionlessly at the sea.
How should he put it? Although this junior lacked expression, she was indeed very cute—petite and delicate. She could be considered a "Kuudere" beautiful girl. Some people surely liked this type.
"Will you be okay alone? Do you want me to go over with you?" Nanase Tsubasa asked softly.
"No need. You head back first; I'll talk to her privately."
"Then... good luck, Senpai." Nanase Tsubasa nodded, turned to walk a few steps, then looked back. "By the way, Senpai, she's actually not a bad person, she's just a bit stubborn."
"Got it."
After Nanase Tsubasa left, Akira walked toward the corner. He sat down opposite Tsubaki Sakurako without a greeting or pleasantries.
Tsubaki Sakurako's gaze pulled back from the sea and landed on Akira's face, pausing for two seconds.
"...Shimizu-senpai."
"Yeah."
"Is there something you want with me?"
"What do you think?"
Tsubaki Sakurako picked up her coffee and took a sip. The cold coffee tasted bitter; she had always hated bitter things, so she set the cup back down.
"If you're here to persuade me to give up, don't bother. I won't change my mind."
"I didn't plan on persuading you. I just wanted to ask a few questions."
Tsubaki Sakurako looked at him blankly. "What questions?"
"Regarding your cooperation with Yagami Takuya and those plans targeting me and Ayanokouji—who came up with them?" Akira got straight to the point.
"...Is there a difference?"
"There is."
"What difference?"
"If you came up with the plans and actively sought him out, then you're the mastermind and he's the accomplice—I'd teach you a bit of a lesson. If he just came to you and you were passively involved, then he's the mastermind and you were used as a pawn—I'd also teach you a lesson."
Tsubaki Sakurako didn't know what to say. "So, regardless of the result, I'm getting a lesson?"
"That's right. But the punishment for the latter would be lighter. After all, during the last Uninhabited Island Special Exam, everyone who targeted me and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka paid a price. It seems only you have come out unscathed; I personally feel that's a bit unfair."
Akira had been thinking about how to interact with Tsubaki Sakurako on the way over. Although she was a girl, she had plotted against him and Ayanokouji from start to finish. Thus, questioning her as a victim was the most direct approach.
Tsubaki Sakurako eyed him warily, her speech speed increasing for once. "Senpai, Yagami Takuya actively sought me out. All the plans were his idea. Furthermore, the plan to target your girlfriends wasn't my idea either; he proposed it himself."
Akira found it somewhat amusing. She was ultimately just an ordinary high schooler; a verbal threat was enough to make her honest.
"Since it's the latter, I can go a bit easier."
Tsubaki Sakurako pursed her lips. "Shimizu-senpai isn't the type who likes hitting women, right? You're just trying to scare me."
"Hardly." Akira tapped his finger on the table. "Since you're well-informed, you must have heard about our first-year selection match—my boxing match, right?"
"You won't have the chance to act."
"I can keep looking for opportunities."
Tsubaki Sakurako's face immediately turned gloomy. She had heard about Akira; when facing a Senpai named Morishita Ai, he finished her with a single punch. Compared to his boxing match against Yamada last year, he had held back an ocean's worth of power then. But her own physical stats were only D+. If Akira landed one punch, she'd likely end up in the infirmary alongside Yagami Takuya.
She didn't want to waste her cruise vacation, didn't want to get hurt, and especially hated the idea of being constantly on edge, worrying about Akira attacking her. The island exam was tiring enough; if she couldn't rest well now, she felt she'd get a migraine.
Being smart, she immediately began to think of what leverage she had.
"Senpai, I won't go around talking about Kushida-senpai's matters."
Akira's expression remained leisurely; he even had the presence of mind to call over a waiter and order a new coffee.
Tsubaki Sakurako felt unsure. Counting this as a failed trade, she thought for a moment and added, "Shimizu-senpai, I know Utomiya Riku; I'll ensure he won't say anything out of line either."
Akira still didn't speak, simply turning to look at the ocean view.
Tsubaki Sakurako felt distressed. According to her plan—since she had intentionally or unintentionally mentioned the White Room target to Nanase Tsubasa—Ayanokouji and Akira would surely seek her out. She had originally planned to use Kushida Kikyo's past as leverage for some benefits, but Akira had completely disrupted her rhythm from the start.
Was that not enough? Wasn't this man's true goal to protect his girlfriend's reputation? Had she guessed wrong at the start? Was he more concerned about being targeted from the beginning and just looking for revenge?
The wretched photo on the school forum of Yagami Takuya beaten into a pulp flashed through her mind. Tsubaki Sakurako didn't dare think deeper and racked her brain for other compensation.
"Yagami Takuya saw me on the fourth day."
"Oh? Tell me more!" Akira perked up. He had planned to let her off after a few more seconds of silence, since her and Utomiya's guarantee regarding Kikyo was already good enough. But a new clue was even better—this could help Shiina Hiyori.
Tsubaki Sakurako continued: "Yagami Takuya leaked Kushida-senpai's past to us on the evening of the fourth day, and he destroyed his watch in front of us, saying he was going to do something 'interesting.' There were at least four witnesses present; it should help your investigation."
So that's it. Yagami Takuya revealed Kikyo's past and broke his watch that day, indirectly revealing his tracks. This was quite a discovery.
Seeing he was somewhat satisfied, Tsubaki Sakurako said softly, "Senpai, will you forgive me now? Can the matters of the island exam be wiped clean?"
Unexpectedly, Akira shook his head. "No."
"Still no?"
"You said Yagami Takuya was your primary target for expulsion. He got zero points on the island exam, but because of Tsukishiro's protection, he wasn't expelled. Since you planned to get him expelled anyway, you were likely going to reveal this information regardless."
Tsubaki Sakurako bit her lip. Wasn't this Shimizu-senpai's mind too sharp? He can even figure that out?
He was right; her original plan was to report it secretly. This man could fight and was smart; she had zero initiative talking to him.
Under total suppression, Tsubaki Sakurako said with a rare tone of resentment, "Then... what does Senpai want? Could you please stop beating around the bush and just say it?"
Akira hadn't expected her to give up so easily. Looking at her today, that tone and those resentful eyes didn't seem expressionless at all.
He waved his hand. "Fine, that's enough."
The harvest was plenty; to ask for more would be greedy.
"Really?"
"Really. The matter of you sending people to block me on the island is wiped clean. I just wanted to tell you a simple truth."
"What truth?"
"You're smart, but your body is too weak. You can scheme behind people's backs, but if one day Ayanokouji, Yagami, or I really rush in front of you and play hardball, Utomiya Riku alone wouldn't be able to stop us. You'd have no means of counterattacking, would you?"
"..."
"Alright, as long as you know. Let's add each other; I'll push your Senpai's contact info to you. Just tell her all the clues you have."
"...Okay."
Akira took out his phone and exchanged contacts with Tsubaki Sakurako. He sent Shiina Hiyori's contact over. Tsubaki looked at it and silently added her.
" Shiina-senpai... the one from Class 2-C?" she asked.
"Yeah. She's investigating Ike Kanji's injury; your clues will be very useful to her."
Tsubaki nodded. Akira stood up.
"I'm leaving then."
"Shimizu-senpai, wait," Tsubaki Sakurako called out.
"Hmm?"
"Is Amasawa Ichika your girlfriend?"
"Huh? No, why do you ask?"
"Because Senpai is very protective. If I move against Amasawa Ichika later, will you hold a grudge and come looking for me again? I'm just worried about that."
This girl Tsubaki thought too much. But it wasn't without merit.
"I have no intention of dating her for now."
"For now?" Tsubaki fixated on those words.
Meaning there was no guarantee for the future. If Amasawa Ichika became his girlfriend, wouldn't it greatly affect her plan to expel the White Room assassin? But this Shimizu Akira seemed to have no weaknesses and was always standing in her way.
What should she do?
While she was thinking of other solutions, she looked up to see Akira had already walked far away.
"Guest, here is the milk coffee you ordered."
At that moment, a waiter brought her a new coffee.
"Mine?"
"Yes, the guest from just now ordered it specifically for you, with plenty of sugar. He said you shouldn't drink Americanos." The waiter cleared away the cold coffee.
Tsubaki Sakurako realized then that the coffee Akira had ordered was for her. She took an unconscious sip, her eyes narrowing slightly.
It had half a spoon of sugar—sweet and delicious. She did like sweet things; otherwise, she wouldn't always have a lollipop in her mouth.
This Shimizu Akira was quite observant.
What did it mean? Giving her a gesture of kindness before leaving? He had suppressed her with force and intellect the entire time! Could he be doing it on purpose? Using Stockholm Syndrome to hook her? Was it intentional or an accident? How could he be so good with girls?
She shook her head, shaking off these groundless thoughts. About ten minutes later, the person she was waiting for finally arrived.
"Tsubaki, sorry, I'm late." Utomiya Riku lowered his head apologetically as he sat in the seat Akira had just occupied.
"It's fine, you arrived just in time," Tsubaki replied.
Utomiya was used to her coldness. However, he wondered if it was an illusion—her expression seemed a bit softer than usual today. He shook his head, thinking he was overthinking things.
"How have you been resting these past few days?"
"I'm fine now. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka didn't use a heavy hand; he just knocked me out."
"So, in your opinion, what is Ayanokouji's true strength?"
"Very strong. He knocked all eleven of us down in just two and a half minutes."
Tsubaki digested the news. Two and a half minutes—150 seconds. Thirty seconds less than her previous estimate of three minutes.
"The other ten have also been discharged from the infirmary. Nothing serious," Utomiya added.
Tsubaki nodded and asked, "Since you went to the infirmary, did you see Yagami Takuya?"
Utomiya shook his head. "No. But he should be awake. I asked the doctor, and they said he is currently refusing any visitors."
Tsubaki looked thoughtful. "I see."
Utomiya rubbed his temples. "It seems Yagami has completely lost to Shimizu Akira. So, do we continue targeting Ayanokouji and Shimizu?"
Tsubaki thought for several seconds before saying, "No. Acting Chairman Tsukishiro should be leaving the school soon. Continuing to target them won't yield the 40 million point reward. Our cooperation ends here."
Hearing the news of the termination, Utomiya Riku's expression became complicated. Since the start of the year, they had been classmates and were called together by Tsukishiro; he had grown used to acting together over these four months. Now that Tsubaki wanted to part ways, he felt a sudden reluctance.
"Wait!" He frowned. "It's not convenient for you to act alone in class. I should still assist you on the surface."
"But wouldn't that be tiring for you? You'd still have to follow my orders." Tsubaki didn't quite understand his reason for wanting to follow her.
"I... it's fine," Utomiya answered almost immediately. "You're smarter than me; it's for the sake of the class. Besides, I've already gotten used to following your commands."
Tsubaki stared at him for a long time until he looked away, then she said bluntly, "Utomiya-kun, I have no intention of dating."
Utomiya Riku's body stiffened. A second later, he said, "I understand."
Seeing his accepting expression, Tsubaki said, "Besides class development, I might still ask you to target Ayanokouji, Shimizu, or Amasawa Ichika in the future. Can you accept that?"
Utomiya nodded almost reflexively. "Of course, you call the shots."
Tsubaki said seriously, "I won't let you help for free. As compensation, I'll give you a monthly employment fee of 100,000 points. How about it?"
Utomiya wanted to refuse, but seeing her unquestionable tone, he didn't dare cross her. He nodded. "Fine, I got it."
"First request: Can I ask you to completely forget Kushida-senpai's past and not tell anyone?"
"I'll listen to you."
"Good."
"So, do you have any plans for this luxury cruise?"
"None. This is a rest phase. Just vacation properly on the ship. I'll message you when I need you." Tsubaki finished her coffee and waved the waiter over.
"Excuse me, how many points total? I'll transfer them."
The waiter waved his hand. "No need, student. The male student who was having coffee with you earlier already paid in advance."
Tsubaki still held a grudge against Akira but didn't dwell on it. "Paid? Fine, it saves me some expenses."
She turned to Utomiya. "Then I'll go back to the dorm to rest. Goodbye."
With that, she walked away with a bored expression.
Utomiya was used to her "calling someone out and leaving immediately after solving the problem" behavior. Usually, they communicated via phone or text; meeting for a coffee was already an unexpected joy.
"I didn't expect her to reject dating so decisively."
Although Utomiya pretended to be fine, he was actually a bit hurt. Tsubaki was expressionless, but she was undeniably cute, had a good temperament, and a quick mind. Although Nanase Tsubasa next door was the recognized top beauty of the first year and had a better body and height, he wasn't interested in the energetic, serious, somewhat clumsy type.
Cold and clever Tsubaki was his type. Otherwise, why would a man like him follow her orders for three months? No one would believe he didn't have feelings. Between boys and girls, there is no such thing as pure friendship.
It seemed they wouldn't develop into a couple. Wait... if she has no intention of dating, does that mean other men don't have a chance either? That's a good thing! Yeah! A good thing!
"Wait, the waiter said the man drinking coffee with Tsubaki before me... who was that?"
.
.
.
Akira had walked for a few minutes when he suddenly stopped and turned around.
"Alright, Nanase, come out. I know you're eavesdropping."
Nanase Tsubasa walked out from the corner and came to his side, lowering her head awkwardly. "I-I'm sorry, Senpai, I..."
"Alright, you were just worried about me. I don't blame you." Akira waved it off.
"Senpai, how did you find out?"
"Ayanokouji taught me."
After training with Ayanokouji, Akira's sensitivity to footsteps and breathing had increased significantly, so he immediately noticed Nanase hadn't left.
"Since you wanted to follow me, why didn't you just say so?"
"Because Senpai wanted to be alone. I didn't want to go against your wishes."
"As you saw, I threatened Tsubaki Sakurako quite rudely. I only asked you to leave because I didn't want you to see my bad side. Since you heard it all, tell me what you think." Akira rubbed his temples.
"Akira-senpai, you're overthinking it. I don't think you did anything wrong; in fact, I think you're quite impressive. Tsubaki is usually so calm and in control; it was my first time seeing her lose her composure like that." Nanase Tsubasa clenched her fist and smiled.
It seemed she didn't care at all. Thinking about it, he had done something unnecessary. But was Tsubaki Sakurako that flustered? He hadn't seen it at all.
Akira took out his phone. "By the way, I'm transferring 500,000 points to you now. Accept it."
"Eh?"
"What 'eh'? Didn't you say during the island exam that you had a friend who was short on money?"
"Uh..." Nanase Tsubasa began to feel guilty. She didn't have any friend who was short on money; it was a lie to stall Akira. She took out her phone, thinking of how to refuse—after all, with previous transfers, it was over a million, and she could never repay the debt of gratitude—but then someone sent her a message.
It was Tsubaki Sakurako.
Tsubaki Sakurako: Nanase-san, do you know of a way to earn personal points quickly at this school?
Nanase Tsubasa glanced at Akira, hesitating to speak.
Akira waved his hand dismissively. "Just chat with your friend."
She felt relieved and began to type.
Nanase Tsubasa: As far as I know, there are very few. Most people save from their monthly points, pass special exams, or join clubs. Tsubaki, are you short on points?
Tsubaki Sakurako: Yes, a little.
Nanase Tsubasa: Why did you come to me? Why not ask Utomiya Riku? Aren't you two dating?
Tsubaki Sakurako: He and I are not boyfriend and girlfriend. As for why I asked you... I don't really have any friends I know; after thinking about it, it seems you're the only one.
Nanase Tsubasa felt inexplicably happy. Although she had many friends, most were superficial. If Tsubaki said that, didn't it mean she considered her a friend?
Nanase Tsubasa: Okay, I see. Is it urgent? How much do you need?
Tsubaki Sakurako: As soon as possible. I currently need 100,000.
Nanase Tsubasa: I'll transfer it to you then.
Tsubaki Sakurako: Is that okay?
Nanase Tsubasa: Of course, I happens to have 500,000 in my account.
Tsubaki Sakurako: Alright then, thank you. I'll pay you back later.
Nanase Tsubasa: Okay, no rush.
Nanase Tsubasa directly accepted Akira's 500,000 points, but she felt inexplicably guilty. Her Senpai had just finished talking with Tsubaki, and from his tone, their relationship was indeed not good. If her Senpai knew she lent money to Tsubaki, would he be angry?
But she couldn't just stand by and watch Tsubaki suffer.
Nanase walked up to Akira and tugged on his sleeve. "Senpai, thank you for lending me money."
"Heh, it's nothing," Akira said with a light laugh. "Just tell me if you're short on money in the future."
"That... can I not write a specific transfer note this time?"
"You, I never said you had to write one. If you want to lend that 500,000 to someone, do it; if you don't, spend it on yourself. You have full discretion."
Nanase Tsubasa felt she was so bad, failing his trust again. Her Senpai was so good to her, yet she was hiding things from him. She had to find a way to compensate him.
This airheaded yet sometimes resolute Nanase saw that no one was around and directly grabbed Akira's hand, pressing it against her chest.
"Nanase!"
Akira froze completely.
Wait? What does this mean? Again? This was the third time, right? After Amasawa Ichika did it, now Nanase too?
Nanase, her face flushed with embarrassment, murmured, "Doesn't 'lewd Senpai' like this? You were staring at me the whole time on the uninhabited island. Since that's the case, I'll let you touch."
"..."
"It's fine. Senpai is super, super good to me, and I don't dislike doing this. However, since we're outside, you can only touch for three seconds. Any longer and I'll be embarrassed if other students see."
"Okay."
Akira was always honest with himself. His hand was already there, and the other party had agreed, so why hold back? He had already done a massage.
Well, it was completely different from Amasawa Ichika. Although it was soft and smooth, he couldn't grasp it with one hand. In terms of figure, among all his girlfriends, probably only Haruka, Airi, and Honami were better than her.
About three seconds passed. Nanase Tsubasa kept her head down and said softly, "Senpai... that's enough, right? We're outside. If you still want to touch, we have to change to a more private place."
Akira released his hand and coughed lightly. "Junior, if you keep tempting me like this, one day I won't be able to take it and will do something irreversible."
Nanase laughed naturally. "I don't believe it. I believe in Senpai; you would never force me against my will."
For a moment, even Akira didn't know what to say. Nanase trusted him too much; what a good girl. How could he have reached out a sinful hand... well, not exactly; she was the one who initiated it.
Actually, Nanase Tsubasa was far from being as calm as she appeared. She felt a bit hot all over, her symptoms identical to the last time she got a massage. She took a deep breath... she was doing it again, intentionally tempting her Senpai.
However, after giving her Senpai a "bonus," she could lend points to Tsubaki Sakurako with a clear conscience. She picked up her phone and started typing again.
Nanase Tsubasa: I'll transfer 200,000 to you. Accept it.
Tsubaki Sakurako: That much? I only needed 100,000. It won't affect your daily expenses, will it?
Nanase Tsubasa: It's fine, I still have 300,000 in my hand.
Tsubaki Sakurako: Nanase, so you have 500,000 now? You're better at saving money than me.
Tsubaki Sakurako: Is it convenient to share some saving tips?
Nanase Tsubasa's cheeks turned completely red. This wasn't money she had saved; it was clearly borrowed by providing her Senpai with "bonuses." If Tsubaki Sakurako, who was seemingly at odds with Akira, found out, she would definitely look down on her.
She quickly typed a line: It's a secret. Anyway, use it first; if it's not enough, just ask to borrow more.
At worst, she would sell her Senpai some more bonuses. She didn't dislike it, her Senpai loved it—it was a win-win!
But this matter absolutely must not be known by Tsubaki Sakurako! Absolutely!
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