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Cleaning and Zazen are done for the morning and it's now 7 o'clock which is breakfast time.

But instead of the cafeteria the students are eating, they are sent outside of the building.

Multiple kitchens and large spacious area for meals were presented infront of them.

" This school will be offering meals for today but starting tomorrow, you will have to cook your own meals with your group. As for the amount and how to share it, you'll have to discuss it amongst yourselves. "

" Seriously? I've never cooked a meal before though. " Ishizaki muttered.

The breakfast menu has been picked and manuals on how to cook them will be distributed, at least those who are shit are cooking can learn from them.

" Is this all..? "

The menu is a simple Japanese breakfast based on rise, soup and main dishes. But students who eats a lot like a pig can see this meal as not enough.

' Easy peasy. ' Teenage Karma's experience on cooking has been superb since he has his family's house all to himself.

The instructions says they can substitute the meal with something else based on the choice of the group.

" Thank god for the uninhabited island experience. Compared to that, I'd take this one anyday. " Keisei states as he eats his breakfast.

" If we're doing it fairly, then how about each school year has a go in it? "

In the middle of breakfast, a 3rd year boy who looked like a leader turned towards Nagumo for a suggestion.

" No objections here. " Nagumo said. " I'd like to start it off with the 1st years. "

" How about it, 1st years? Any objections? "

Karma has no problem with it but with the other 1st years, they cannot say no to their kouhais which is difficult.

" Understood. " Keisei accepts.

" Since we'll be cooking breakfast, what time do we have to get up tomorrow? "

" ..Just in case, we should wake up two hours in advance. " Keisei proposed before Ishizaki refused.

If it would be waking up in two hours in advance, then they have to wake up after 4 o'clock and start making preparations.

" Still, we've got no choice but to do it. It'll be disastrous if we fail to prepare breakfast. "

" Then you guys do it. I'll be sleeping. " Ishizaki said. Since after following Ryuuen's orders he's beginning make his position change.

But Karma has to do something about it since Ishizaki was still shaken by the confrontation in the rooftop.

Ishizaki is obviously not cut out to be a leader or strategist including Albert.

Keisei let out a sigh before turning to Kouenji. " You better not go off and do your own thing, Kouenji. Can't have you sitting wherever you please alone after all. "

Kouenji just smiled in response. " As long as the seats are free, I believe I can sit wherever I please though. "

But even though Kouenji says that, he showed no signs of being selfish. He's not the type to ignore all rules after all.

" You seem to be struggling, 1st years. " One of the 2nd years called out. " If you're having trouble, would you like me to lend you a hand? "

" No, we're fine. " Keisei politely refuse. " Hah.. why do I have to be the leader? "

It's already the beginning of his suffering.

In the first day, the lessons were already not doing well for them.

During P.E time and the group begin to run around the tracks.

Keisei was panting like crazy.

Karma was doing his own thing, and Kiyotaka walk towards to deal with Kouenji but of course the blonde just joyfully brushed it off.

It's been lesson to lesson and Karma can feel the day pass of really slow.

In the afternoon, the final lesson, Zazen already ended.

" Uuu.... "

Suddenly Keisei collapsed with a slump looking paralyzed and unable to move.

Karma kneels down and nudge Keisei's shoulder. " You doing good? "

" I'm fine, is what I like to say but my legs feel numb.. please give me a moment. "

Everyone else seems tired and exhausted as well.

Ishizaki too had a hard time with Zazen and leaned forward in pain. " Shit, eat and bath. Yeah, bath. Give me a hand here, Albert. "

Albert silently came over and lifted Ishizaki up by his arm.

" Gah- do it more gently! let go! " Then Ishizaki collapsed as Albert let him go. " Gaaah!!! "

Karma look towards Kiyotaka who stared at them, he seemed amused by the two.

However, the other students in the group could only see Ishizaki and them as parasites. Keisei managed to ignore them.

" They're an amazing bunch, aren't they? " Kiyotaka spoke up drawing Keisei's attention.

" It's better to leave them be Kiyotaka. They're just fooling around. If you don't want to draw their attention, it's best not to look at them. " Keisei said dismissively. " He's not bad as Sudou but Ishizaki is also the type of guy to hit first. It might end up being Ryuuen all over again, you know. "

Karma didn't think so.

" But right now, we're in the same group as them, it won't hurt communicating with them. " Karma point at Ishizaki who noticed them.

Ishizaki glared back making Keisei cower for a moment but Ishizaki quickly dragged Albert and left the dojo.

Keisei place a hand on his chest before pushing up his glasses. " .. Your brave as always Karma. "

Kiyotaka didn't waste time to speak. " Keisei, we need to befriend Ishizaki and Albert too. At least to a certain extent. "

" That's absurd. I admit we're in the same group but we're essentially enemies here. No matter what, befriending them isn't something I do. This isn't the last special exam we'll be going though anyway. "

" So there's no reason for us to befriend them? " Karma said keeping Keisei's words in mind. " I guess your right, since this school strives for conflict everywhere. "

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After all classes ended, Karma left his group unknowingly as the others went back to their room.

He sat on the grass as he let in some fresh air.

If not a question, this big area would be suited for sparring much clear than the forest he used to use from his old school.

He rub his knees as he stare at the sunset taking a bite of a random leaf.

It's been years since he has eat anything from a tree, since the time he became a social business man, he've become distant to his childish self, who knew that his childish self is still intact with the current him.

Man, Karma slumped his shoulders with ease, he really missed freedom.

Suddenly he hears crackling of the footsteps behind him, Karma didn't bother to turn around as he knew who's walking towards him.

" I've finally found you. " Kiyotaka's emotionless voice called out.

" I'm not that far from the campus. "

Kiyotaka notice the bitten leaf from Karma's hand and turn to hear a crispy munching sound coming from the red-head.

" ...Karma, you do know we have some leftover from the cafeteria. "

" I'm just taking a healthy diet. " Karma said as he wave his hand that's holding the leaf. " So you come to me because? "

" Nagumo came into our room while your out. "

" Oh? "

Karma felt amused, what is Nagumo planning?

" You weren't there during the time Nagumo bet us first years into picking tuns who will cook. " Kiyotaka said.

" I guess I'm too ignorant to things like that. So did you join the card game? "

" Yes. It is difficult to avoid, although I did claim victory it won't change anything. "

Karma's face rest on his fist. " His eyes will focus on you now, that's great. "

Kiyotaka place his hand in his pocket as he raise his head towards the scenery infront of the boys.

" I'll be reserving your use throughout the exam, there's not much of a threat yet that I need your help from. " The brown haired male close his eyes. " Although, I take it you don't mind being the one who will cover my schemes and admit your the one doing it. "

" Y'know Ayano-kun. " Kiyotaka turn to Karma. " I don't plan on staying beside you any further. I'll take it free from now on, I'm suddenly feeling confident. "

" But, don't you want to be well informed-. "

" Ayano-kun. " Karma cut in. " I don't care what happens behind my back, it's your choice whether if you want to tell me or not, but I don't need to tell you that. I don't care what Nagumo does or what will happen with him if it won't change anything drastic. "

Kiyotaka open his mouth but close it.

Karma let out a carefree laugh.

" Don't worry, even if you won't tell me everything, I will still know. "

Kiyotaka wants to pinch his nose in frustration but he refrain. " Karma.. you are quite unique. "

" Tell me something I dont know. "

Karma turn back to his front and look down to the leaf, he let his hold go and let the leaf fly away by the wind. " But, I believe your the one who is much, more unique than me. "

Kiyotaka lowered his scoff as he turn to his back. " Tell me something I don't know. Keisei wants me to remind you to at least be back before six."

Saying that he then walk away and leave the grinning Karma alone.

Karma didn't stop himself from chuckling, even if he doesn't know it Kityotaka is slowly showing more of his inner self.

Kiyotaka could stop Karma if he will do something troubling but he knows he won't, the level of trust is enough to leave Karma be.

_______________________________

It's already early morning.

Starting around 5 o'clock, students from karma's group forced themselves to wake up.

The group then walk towards the outdoor cookhouse near the building.

" Aaaah!! I'm fucking sleepy! " Ishizaki let out a cursed whine followed with a yawn.

" Everyone's in the same boat. " Keisei Keisei warns as he flip through the paper of the breakfast menu the teacher had given them. " Ahh, please measure it so you don't mess up the amount of miso. "

Karma did his second bowl of miso for the other batch of the number students.

" Shut it. " Ishizaki curse, aggressively stirring the the miso. " Why do I have to participate in cooking the meals in the first place? "

" It can't be helped, right? There's the possiblity we'll incur a penalty oif everyone isn't assembled here. "

" Hell if I care.. shit.. Ahh. "

Keisei turn to Ishizaki. " What's with that 'aah' just now? "

Before Ishizaki can react, Karma quickly place both hands to catch the whole salt.

" Ishizaki! " Keisei yelled. " What are you doing? Your wasting the salt. "

" It just slipped! "

" Oi. " Karma scold. " Don't carelessly dump everything from the bottle, we will lose time if we did it all again, you will be the one to eat your inedible soup of shit. "

Ishizaki step back as Karma roll up his sleeves and proceed to put out the fire and taste if before gathering bottles of flavorful seasonings and work on fixing the miso soup like a pro.

Karma stir the soup carefully and wipe a bit of his sweat before waiting for the soup to heat up, he raise a hand. " Ishizaki, lend me your apron you will be the one doing the serving. "

" A-Ah. " Ishizaki take his apron off and toss it to the red-head.

Karma caught it without looking and quickly tie the lace of the apron tighly as he wipe the front of the apron like it's covered in dust and continue to prepare the second batch of miso soup.

Kiyotaka sweatdrop as he feel the fire in Karma's eyes. ' Karma's pretty passionate about cooking, huh? '

Keisei felt the same. " I suddenly felt relieved to have Karma in this group and class, he's like a different person now than the one we see usually. "

Kiyotaka silently nod.

Karma did mention to him and Suzune that he lived alone most of his life so cooking his own meals won't be surprising but to see Karma being serious and carefully cook instead of his usual energetic self.

Besides Karma, there are others who skillfully took care of the cooking.

" You're quite a dexterous one.. " Keisei comment to Hashimoto.

" It's because I always cook my own meals. " Hashimoto said without a hint of pride briskly continued cooking.

Albert approached Hashimoto silently as he carried a bowl of scrambled eggs.

Thank you. " Hashimoto said. " If you don't mind, can I ask you to cut the vegetables too? '

Albert followed the order and skillfully swinging the knife on the chopping board.

Kiyotaka himself admit he's not that talented when it comes to cooking with utmost sincerity, he pictured Karma, Hashimoto and Albert. ' When it comes to cooking, these three are set to be our aces. '

It's an enough number for the group to gain points.

Kiyotaka look down to see piled of uncut vegetables on his board, he turn to Albert as he is silent, Kiyotaka then tried to communicate with him through eye contact.

Albert seemed to get the gist and pass a kitchen knife to Kiyotaka.

Kiyotaka held it and can sense understanding growing between them. He then began to cut the vegetables keeping up with Albert's proficiency.

The breakfast is going well after that.

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.

.

The day went fast paced and the group became more bearable, although Manabu Horikita is still keeping tabs on Karma's group especially with people like Ishizaki, Karma, Kouenji, Kiyotaka and others from different groups.

Karma sat on a bench as he cross his legs.

There's really nothing he can do since his phone is being confiscated together will all the students plus Kiyotaka was walking around talking with Kei about random stuff.

He's feeling a bit bored now.

Suddenly he feel a tap on his shoulder from behind, Karma jerked and hang his head up to see a grinning female.

" Senpai? "

" How long has it been little kouhai? "

Karma blink in surprise never thinking that Fuka would appear. But he smiled. " It's not that long, but I can't say I'm not glad to see you. "

He sometimes wonder what's in his senpai's head.

" I want to see how your doing without any guidance, you do seem a bit lonely. Were you perhaps ditched by your friend? " Fuka look around as she casually place both hands on her hips.

" Nah, he's on a date. " Karma paused before adding. " But he doesn't know that he's on a date. "

Kiyotaka still is developing a relationship with Kei.

" Date? " The platinum blonde tilt her head. " I thought you two are together. "

" Eh-. " Karma's smile froze.

" By hearing you talk about him, it does sound like your quite infatuated with him. " Fuka teased.

" He's just a friend. " Karma then correct himself. " Or ally if he would call me. Besides, aren't you also interested in me? "

" Is that what you think I feel about you? " Fuka raise a brow with a toothy grin. " I never took your for a pervert Kouhai-kun~ I don't mind you swinging both ways though. "

Karma wave his hand. " Enough of my preferance on relationships, why do you chose to talk to me now, I can tell you saw me earlier. "

Fuka's smile falter as she gives him a doubtful stare.

She lower her body in level as Karma sitting down. " It might just be me, but my instincts are telling me your just shy. "

" Hm? " Karma raise a brow.

Fuka stands up and sat beside Karma with a lazy slump. " Tell me everything. "

" I heard more about Sakayanagi and the Class A groups recently. You think they're up to something? "

" Hm. " Fuka cross her arms. " I have no interest on the first years, I let them play by their own rules. I heard your group is the one cooking breakfast today. "

Karma hummed. " You know my group? We did cook, although I was in my own world during that time. "

" You do you, ladies do love men who can cook for themselves. " Fuka chuckled as she sway her fingers resting her arm on the back. " Cooking aside, I do have a prediction this exam might get a little stormy. "

" I know. About time I witness some drama. "

" For you anways, I'm no part of it. You and that friend of yours will have so many strings to control starting tomorrow. "

" How encouraging. Welp. " Karma stands up from the bench. " I do enjoy our little comnversation but I'll be going, Ayano-kun puts me in a limit of straying around the campus. "

Before Karma can leave, Fuka called out to him.

" You still kept the keychain I gave you? "

' Oh, I forgot about that. ' Karma rummage his pocket and felt a hard small object inside, he did kept it after all. " I got it, why? "

" Just to make sure you won't throw it away, small as it looks but it's quite draining my cash. " Fuka said, Karma doubt the female worries anything about losing money. " Say, I'll see you next time then I'll be watching. "

____________________________

On the night of the third day, Karma and Kiyotaka entered on the third large public bath.

Inside the large bath, there were a couple of boys huddled around a corner.

Yamauchi and Ike were present including others like Shibata from Class B.

Ryuji Kanzaki coincidentally entered the same bath and looked at the area in surprise. " This seems like an unusual gathering. "

" Seems like it. " Kiyotaka replied.

" What about your group? Any troubles in particular? "

" I don't know, I don't think I can say it's going swimmingly. "

As Kiyotaka answered frankly, Kanzaki doesn't appear surprised. " I heard from Moriyama and the others about Kouenji. "

Kiyotaka sighed at that. " He is contributing as a classmate but I can't rein him at all. "

" Speaking of Kouenji. " Karma spoke up. " Did you hear about Ryuuen? "

Kanzaki's eyes hardened. " I was about to ask the same question. If he's scheming something there should be a few rumors popping up but I haven't heard any reports at all. "

" Hey, Kanzaki! Over here, over here! "

The three boys turn their attention to Shibata waving his hand over to Kanzaki.

" Ayanokouji, Akabane~. You come join us too~. "

Yamauchi beckoned over to the Karma and Kiyotaka.

Karma walk towards the group as Kanzaki ask Shibata. " What's the matter. "

" Nothing man, the thing is, I'm having fun with Yamauchi and the others over something strange. " Shibata replied.

" Something strange? "

" We're talking about whose got the biggest one in our school year. "

" One? By that you mean? "

" Isn't that obvious? This, this. " Shibata laughed as he pointed at the center of the towel covering his groin.

" .....I see, you're having fun. " Kanzaki exasperatedly sigh.

" No, I think it's childish too you know? But you see, this is unexpectedly fun. "

Kanzaki and Kiyotaka grimaced at the foolish act while they exchange glances.

Karma didn't think twice as he joined in with the boys and buckle his belt. " Oiii, Ayano-kun you be the judge k? "

Kiyotaka looked quite uncomfortable. " I rather not. "

Before Kiyotaka can escape Sudou shows up and grab both Kiyotaka's shoulders. " Who's the alpha for now? "

" ...I have no idea. "

Sudou looked calm for a second and boldly takes off his towel to show off his lightsaber infront of everyone.

Shibata held his breath. " Ohh... as expected of Sudou. "

" The current alpha is Kaneda. "