CH 7.6

There was a checkpoint at the spot where the smoke bomb was set off.

About eight members of the team to whom we had first explained the “operation” were also there.

Yui and Futaba used the machine on the checkpoint to stamp the time on the back of the map.

Like a timecard, the time was automatically stamped.

「As expected of oniichan. I can’t believe we found the first one so quickly.」

「I guess so. The coach was explaining it in a way that it could be misunderstood but he never said anything about not cooperating with other members.」

Reading behind the words, it was like he was saying we should cooperate.

「In fact, only oniichan and Shiratori-san noticed.」

「They were all honor students who will do exactly what they were told. The fact that two smoke bombs were given to each team instead of one, that there were very few hints about the checkpoints, and that the reward for winning was food that could be shared. Given all of this, it was almost as if they were asking us to use the smoke bombs as a means of communication.」

In terms of evaluation, perhaps the key point is whether or not you can recognize this and organize the rest of the group.

Honestly speaking, I don’t care what kind of reputation I’ll get in this camp. However, if Yui and Futaba want to win, I will make it happen.

-0-

The only promise we made to the other teams who chose to cooperate with us was that we would light a smoke bomb when we found the checkpoint.

There is no need to wait for the other team and the prize is split no matter who comes on top in the end.

Those who hadn’t heard of the plan would eventually figure it out but we decided to let it go.

「Thank you, Shiratori-san. Thanks to you, we were able to find them. I’m sure our team couldn’t have found it on our own.」

「Right right. We would have never guessed the hidden content of this activity.」

The other teams praised Yui.

「I was not the one who thought of this strategy, it’s Kazu. So if you want to thank someone, thank him.」

Yui’s comment surprised everyone present.

「Heh….it was Nanba-kun? Thanks」「You’re different from the rumors from those who are targeting Shiratori-san」

I thought I would be labeled as a credit grabber, but I was praised.

As expected from a very capable group.

It’s embarrassing though….

「Right!」

「He’s my oniichan after all」

Yui and Futaba smiled happily.

Am I thinking too much if……I say they probably want to win this challenge in order to get me recognized by everyone?

「Alright, let’s find another one!」

「「「Yeah!」」」

At Yui’s signal, the team dispersed back into the mountains.