Kakegurui Trip Fulltext

Kakegurui Trip cover page

Table of contents

• Preface
• Prologue
• Chapter 1: The Ryouran Island Summer Camp
• Chapter 2: Casino Dominium
• Chapter 3: The Beach and the Ace
• Chapter 4: The Poker Tournament
• Chapter 5: The Reason for Living
• Final Chapter
• Afterwords
• Credits

Preface

Kakegurui Trip Table of Contents illustration

Note from the translator

In the world of Kakegurui there is no magic or science fiction. Things are however far from mundane. The social norms on some issues are utterly nuts. Anyone familiar with the manga or anime knows this. I thought it's best to mention it here anyway, for the benefit of any unsuspecting readers.

I've preserved the Japanese spoken politeness rules for names in the same way the official manga translation does. Adding the honorific '-san' to a name is casually polite. Using '-sama' instead is more formally polite. Being friends does not automatically mean you call each other by your first names or drop the honorifics.

There are poker games in this novel. The table of contents spoiled that for you already. I've added a poker hand ranking chart on the next page. This allowed me to shorten some explanations, making things not too drawn out for readers who are already familiar with the game.

Please, keep in mind this is a fan translation. I'm not a professional writer and nobody paid me to do this. I hope you enjoy the novel.

Poker hand ranking (worst to best)

• K♥ J♠ 10♣ 7♦ 5♥ High Card; Also called 'trash' or 'no hand'. There is no combination. The lone highest ranked card (a king in this case) faces off against the high card of other players if they also have no combination. The Japanese call high card a 'pig'

• 9♥ 9♠ 7♣ 7♠ J♥ Pairs; Two cards of the same rank is a pair and defeat any high card. Two pairs defeat any single pair.

• 5♥ 5♠ 5♣ A♦ K♦ Three of a kind; Three cards of the same rank are better than pairs.

• Q♥ J♠ 10♠ 9♥ 8♦ Straight; Five cards of consecutive rank. J, Q and K count as 11, 12 and 13 respectively. The ace can serve as both 14 and 1.

• A♦ Q♦ 8♦ 6♦ 4♦ Flush; Any five cards of the same suit (diamonds in this case).

• 6♥ 6♣ 6♦ Q♣ Q♦ Full house; A three-of-a-kind and a pair.

• 4♥ 4♠ 4♣ 4♦ 7♠ Four of a kind; Four cards of the same rank.

• J♠ 10♠ 9♠ 8♠ 7♠ Straight Flush; A straight that is also a flush. The best possible straight flush (A, K, Q, J, 10) is called a royal flush.

Prologue

Hyakkaou Private Academy is a very prestigious, reputable, 122 year old school. Many of the children here are those of influential people in politics and business. My parents aren't wealthy and worked hard to get me here. They always avoided showing that they were struggling and preferred to proudly smile. I enrolled here with high hopes. My goal is to make it big in life and make my parents proud.

"Mittens! Go get me a sandwich from the cafeteria! The usual one. Hurry up!"
I was hit from the side and fell to the classroom floor. The girls who had been my friendly classmates just a few days ago were now kicking me while smiling. As the pain got worse, all I could do was groan.

"Y-yes... I'll go now..."
If I didn't answer immediately, I'd be kicked again. They don't see me as a human being now. I'm like livestock to them.

A class system exists at this school and it's a pretty simple one. There are two types of people; the oppressors and the oppressed. The powerful student council collects, supposedly voluntary, payments from everybody. Then the students are ranked based on how much they paid. If you are unlucky enough to be in the bottom 100, you become a housepet. Instead of using your name, other students will call you Fido if you are boy and Mittens if you are a girl. You essentially lose your human rights, becoming a servant and punching bag.

I stumble to the cafeteria while clutching my stomach. A tag hangs around my neck. I'm required to wear it so that everyone can see I'm a Mittens. Students I pass, glance at me in disgust as if I'm a dirty, stray, city cat. Occasionally, some show pity, but don't help. Being friendly with housepets can isolate you socially even if you are not one of them. You will be seen as a freak for being generous to the downtrodden. That's how the culture is here.

The voluntary payments to the student council are not voluntary at all. Even the most iron-willed would eventually break down and pay up, if they had the money. Being officially marked as sub-human is too much of a burden to bear. It's way easier to pay and be on the side of the oppressors.
The tribute money is not an amount that can easily be earned with part-time jobs. If your parents are rich, you can ask them for it. However, if you are like me and were foolish enough to enroll into this school with modest means, money will be a problem.

This talk about money brings us to another remarkable thing about this school; the gambling. It's openly permitted, endorsed and overseen by the student council. Some only dabble in it during breaks while others specialize in certain games as a club activity. Then there are the ones who run the gambling dens and profit from all the action. Not participating is also an option but doing so means your student council tribute money has to come from elsewhere.

Nobody here cares if you study well or excel at sports. Things like that don't matter to those who one day end up in power. What the elites need is negotiation skills, mind reading and performance under stress. Those are all things learned by gambling.

I lost a bet and with it my human dignity. Just like the others who aren't rich or good at gambling.
My parents didn't know how normal the abnormal is at this school. You would say the best course of action is to transfer out of this place as soon as possible, but I can't bring myself to do that. It would mean admitting defeat and disappointing my parents. Their hard work needs to pay off.

"I need money", I told myself as I squeezed the housepet tag in my fist. "I'll get my hands on a mountain of it, secure my future and run this place. The sleazy rich kinds and dead-eyed slaves will all bow to me one day."

Chapter 1: The Ryouran Island Summer Camp

Chapter 1, part 1

It's actually quite bizarre. A high school class room filled with students gambling at lunchtime. They went from reading their books to betting money on blackjack in a heartbeat. It was very confusing to me at first but now that I'm a second year student, I've gotten used to it. My name is Ryota Suzui and I'm nothing special. Just because you go to school here doesn't mean you are a gambling genius. I was even a housepet for a while.

"What's wrong with you? You look pathetic", a sneering voice said. It was Mary Saotome. She was the one responsible for making me a Fido back then.

"Nothing. I'm the same as always", I replied.

Mary swept away her ribbon tied blond twin tails. That brisk movement was typical of her. Then she flapped the collar of her short-sleeved shirt to let some air in. The bright red vest she wore over her shirt was the school's summer uniform. The outfit was flattering to her, making her look slender.

"So where did she go? You two are always together", Mary asked. "She should have been back in the classroom by now."

Mary is a very skilled gambler and well respected at the school. Until recently she had the whole class wrapped around her finger. She singled me out and I lost a lot of money playing against her. Because of her, I used to wear that cursed housepet tag. None of the classmates dared to challenge her to a game. Not even to a fun, low stakes one.

"You don't have many friends. I never see you talk to random people", Mary said.

"Isn't that just as true for you?", I asked her while smiling bitterly.

"Shut up! Don't talk to me like that unless you are looking for a fight!", she replied with her face turning red.

She is usually cheerful but when she does raise her voice, she make a bit of a childish impression. It's true that no classmates want to be friends with us. Our reputations contribute to that, but there is an additional, strong reason.

The classroom door slid open with a clatter. A girl appeared. She had very long, back hair that swayed lightly with every breeze. Beneath her neatly trimmed bangs were eyes like those of a cat in the dark. Her glossy lips formed a smile. She was dressed in the summer uniform, like Mary. Though, unlike with Mary's shirt collar, hers was pushed open from the inside. Big difference!

"Suzui-san, Mary-san. Look at this!"

The girl approaching so elegantly was the main reason for Mary's and my social predicament. Yumeko Jabami. A gambler who is shaking this school to it's core. She transferred in recently and in a short time managed to become pretty famous by winning games with student council members as opponents.

Those on the student council have a lot of wealth to tap into and tend to be the most daring, intelligent and sly. Everyone accepts them as the rulers. Because the beautiful and mysterious Yumeko managed to defeat some of them, she has now become the center of attention. Her background remains unknown. Even I, who has been watching her meteoric rise from up close, know very little about her. I wonder what lies beneath that endearing smile and up-beat demeanor.

"This sounds like so much fun!", Yumeko said, breathing heavily while showing us a piece of paper. "They were handing these out in the hallway earlier."

"What is it?"

"What do you mean, 'what is it'? Why didn't you two tell me about this event? I definitely want to go!", Yumeko said. She was clearly excited and giddy.

Surprised by Yumeko's enthusiasm, I took a look at the flyer. "Ryouran Island Summer Camp opens!", it was titled.

"Ah, this. It figures you wouldn't know about it since you transferred in this year", Mary said to Yumeko. "There is this island owned by our school called Ryouran. During school holidays, it's open to the students to spend time there."

Ryouran Island. Hyakka Ryouran... It's a reference to Hyakkaou Academy, I see.

{Translator's note: This is word play. The school and island name taken together translate as 'a large gathering of people of excellence' in this context.}

"Students visit it but somehow no one knows where it is. It's not on any map. I suppose a school like ours can pull off a stunt like that. They say it's probably south from here, but the location doesn't really matter anyhow", Mary continued.

"There is that thing there, right?", Yumeko asked Mary while her breathing became heavy again. "Everyone is going there for that reason, right?"

"And what would that be?", Mary asked with a dramatic sigh and a smile on her rosy lips. The answer was obvious.

"A casino." Yumeko shivered in anticipation when speaking that word. "I didn't know there was a full blown casino at this school!!" "I wonder what kind of games they have!!" "They must have blackjack, roulette, and slots, right?!" "Can we play baccarat?!" "I want to play poker the most!!"

"Relax and talk slower", Mary interrupted.

Mary acted cold to Yumeko. This was no doubt because Yumeko was responsible for Mary's downward spiral earlier. When Yumeko transferred in, she was challenged by Mary to a rigged game. Despite the cheating, Mary lost big and in an attempt to recover, lost even more. It was quite humiliating for someone with such a competitive spirit. However, Mary understood that Yumeko was not being mean to her and so the girls remained on speaking terms. Yumeko was just trying to have fun and Mary being handed the housepet tag turned out to be the consequence of that. Besides, since Mary made me a housepet earlier as well, she had little right to complain.

"They probably have all those games. I hear it's on par with a real casino. Also, the hotel attached to it is run professionally so the service should be good. I don't know for sure since I've never been there, though", Mary continued.

So it's just like Las Vegas! Images of glittering neon lights and bunny girls popped into my head.

"You'll coming too, aren't you, Suzui-san?", Yumeko asked me.

"Oh, am I?", I replied in surprise.

"Don't you want to...?" Yumeko asked while looking at me with begging puppy eyes. I was unable to refuse.

"Alright, since I'm a student here I should check the place out at least once. How much will it cost anyway? It may be too expensive for me", I asked Yumeko in return.

"Don't worry, Suzui-san! The trip and hotel stay are free!", she replied while pointing it out on the flyer.

"What? Surely everyone will go then.", I said.

"Don't be silly. Almost all the students here go abroad during holidays. They are rich enough to not care about travel expenses. This island casino camp does sound fancy, though. I'm sure some people will show up", Mary said.

"So, Suzui-san is definitely going. Mary-san, you will come as well, right?" Yumeko looked like a little girl excited about a family trip. Her innocent appearance made it impossible to imagine her as a gambling shark.

"I'll pass", Mary replied instantly.

"But why? It will surely be a blast if the three of us go", Yumeko insisted.

"See, the casino is run by a group called the Kansankai. They are a student club, but have lots of connections and operate like a branch of the Tourism Industry Association. Despite being small, they are rumored to make huge profits with the casino", Mary said as her eyes narrowed and her voice became sharper.

"Secret island, big profits, free entrance. It smells. Going there is too risky unless you are made of money", Mary continued.

Yumeko put her hands on her chest in a pleading gesture. "You worry too much, Mary-san! Please, let us go together! The flyer says that today is the last day we can sign up!"

"No way! You are a target of the student council. Who knows what they might do to me if I show up with you. Maybe some other groups are interested in you as well and... Hey, stop clinging to me!"

Yumeko tightly embraced Mary and wouldn't let go. This was not the first time this happened. For some reason, Yumeko seemed to really like Mary. She would regularly yell "Mary-san, Mary-san" and cling to her. It looked strange, but what was even stranger is that Mary didn't mind it too much.

After a bit of back and forth, Yumeko suddenly said; "Then let's settle this with a gamble. If you win, Mary-san, I'll obey your orders while we're traveling. If I win, it's the other way around. What do you think? Doesn't that sound fun?"

"No! I'm not going!", Mary shouted, but then something occurred to her. She looked down for a moment while touching her chin, then she looked back up. "...In other words, if I win, you will be absolutely obedient to me while we are on Ryouran Island, during the voyage to there and during the voyage back. You will not be able to defy me in any way."

"That's right! I'll be your personal Mittens! Purr!" Yumeko held her clenched hands in front of her face as if they were paws, mimicking a cat while making a sweet and pleading face.

Mary chuckled mischievously. She seemed to be imagining something ominous. As she has tormented housepets before, there was no telling what treatment Yumeko would receive if she were to lose.

"Y-Yumeko... Maybe we should call this off." I was barely able to finish my sentence as Mary interrupted;
"Fine. I'm in on this gamble", she said while pointing at Yumeko.

"Thank you, Mary-san!", Yumeko said with a sunny smile.

"Now, let's decide what game to play! Since this is a gamble about a resort with a casino, let's play poker!", Yumeko said with enthusiasm. Mary did not bother to argue.

Yumeko pulled a deck of cards from her desk drawer. "It's just a regular deck. Do you want to check it, Mary-san?"

"No need. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't cheat", Mary said after a brief pause.

"Hehe, I'm glad you trust me. Shall we play Five-card Draw with Suzui-san as the dealer?" "Please, be our dealer, Suzui-san!"

I wasn't expecting a request like that, but it wasn't much trouble. All I had to do was deal the cards and stay neutral. Besides, this was the exact game in which Mary defeated me, making me a housepet back then. I knew the rules well enough.

Five-card Draw is the most classic variant of poker. Each player is dealt five cards face down. Then there is a betting phase. After that, the players can chose to discard any of their cards and will be dealt replacements. A second betting phase follows and if more than one player is still in the game after that, there is a showdown. The remaining players show their hands and the winner is determined by the strength of the combination of cards they have. Because the girls here are wagering one predetermined thing in a quick one hand game, there are no betting phases.

I took the deck from Yumeko and shuffled it carefully. Dealing poker is easy, but I could not take my assignment lightly. Bad things may happen to Yumeko based on the outcome of this game. Although I was not the one wagering anything, I'm sure I was the one who looked the most nervous.

Mary showed a relaxed smile, but that was probably to mask the nerves. After all, her opponent was the mysterious Yumeko; the girl who defeated some of the strongest players at this school. The last time these girls played, it was a crushing defeat for Mary. I'm sure she remembers that.

Yumeko was intensely gazing into Mary's eyes. I knew what that meant. Yumeko was truly enjoying herself. The game itself, the atmosphere, the opponent, the trill and the risk. She loved it all. This wasn't some poker face or cheap intimidation trick. This was the real Yumeko.

"Alright, let's begin." I started dealing.

Chapter 1, part 2

The next morning we all gathered and boarded the ship docked at the pier, along with the other students. It wasn't extravagant, but large enough to carry several hundred people. Impressive for a school trip, for sure.

The sound of the waves and the sunlight on my skin were soothing. It would have gotten too hot in my short-sleeve, if not for the gentle breeze. The blues of the ocean and the whites of the reflections made the view from the deck be like an endless moving paining. I was having a great time... so far.

The other students on the deck were equally in a good mood. How could they not be, with such a great view and free drinks from the bar. Although this looked like a vacation, it was technically a school trip. The school uniforms remained mandatory.

Someone was not having fun, though. That particular someone was right next to Yumeko and me.
"Why me... Damn it. I should not have played that game", Mary kept saying, or rather, she was chanting it like a curse.

"Mary-san, please don't be so gloomy. Let's make the best of things and have some fun!", Yumeko said.

"Shut up! Don't talk to me! And don't touch me!", Mary shouted.

---

Mary had lost the poker game. Her hand was three-of-a-kind kings. A very lucky draw, considering it was just a quick one hand game. After her card change, it was clear that Mary was already thinking about how she could exploit Yumeko's obedience during the trip. However, when Yumeko declared she would not change any of her cards, Mary's gleeful expression snapped back to neutral. When it was time for the showdown, I instructed them to reveal their hand.

The moment Yumeko revealed, Mary fell to her knees. It was a full house. Yumeko jumped up and down with joy. Once again, I was baffled by Yumeko's incredible luck. To think I was trying to prevent this game from happening earlier. I guess I just have to watch and see where her luck takes her. It almost feels like Mary was manipulated into going on the trip... and into obedience.

---

"Excuse me, may I be of assistance? I have brought you some water", someone said. Without looking up, I took the cup that was offered and gulped it down. It was very refreshing.

"Thanks for the service. But why are so many of you here? Is something wrong?", Yumeko asked.

So many? I wiped my mouth and looked. There was a group of people and they were bowing to us. Then the girl in the middle raised her head. "Yes, I'm afraid we have something to apologize for", she said.

The group was dressed in fancy black suits that looked like a military uniform of sorts. It was a jacket with shoulder pads and shiny gold colored buttons. The woman's variant had an apron-like jumper skirt instead of trousers. The girl who spoke wore a wine-red ribbon as a tie, while the ribbons of the others were black.

"Wait... You are...", Mary started saying with tension in her voice.

"What an honor that you know me, Mary Saotome-sama. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." She crossed her legs inside her skirt and bowed gracefully. "My name is Kifune Izayoi. I am the manager and owner of the casino on Ryouran Island, the destination of this ship."

I instinctively bowed in return. "The boss of the casino on Ryouran?! So that makes you the boss of the Kansankai... or is it the chairman?", I asked.

Kifune narrowed her already slanted eyelids and softly laughed. "I guess you can call me the boss, Ryota Suzui-sama. As you said, I lead that organization, yes. I'm also a student at Hyakkaou Private Academy, just like all of you. I'm in my third year."

Kifune introduces herself

Kifune had long, black hair, but her face remained fully visible because of the hairband she wore. Her expression was gentle but reserved. It was as if she was a sheathed sword; at rest but ready to strike when needed.

"What I want to apologize for is his terrible negligence", Kifune said while pushing one of the boys from her group forward. He was frightened enough to tremble. "He was the one handling the sign ups for the summer camp back at school."

After winning the poker game, Yumeko rushed to the registration desk with three application forms in hand. It seems that this was the guy who took them.

Kifune looked at her subordinate with suddenly widened eyes.
"It so happens that when receiving your forms, he reserved rooms for Saotome-sama and Suzui-sama. For whatever reason he did not reserve a room for you, though", she explained.

"I-I'm so sorry! There were a lot of last-minute applications as we were about to close... ", the boy tried to explain, stumbling over his words.

Kifune raised one eyebrow. "What did you just say...? You're going to blame the customer for your mistake?", she asked him coldly.

"N-no... Not at all! It was my mistake. Please forgive me! I beg you!" The boy was crying now. The situation felt uncanny as his distressed weeping was accompanied by the calming noise of the sea.

"Kneel before her", Kifune commanded with controlled anger. "Bow your head to our guest, all the way to the deck. Or would you rather we toss you into the ocean?"

As the boy looked like he was entering a state of panic, Yumeko intervened. "Please stop. I'm sure we can sort this out somehow."

I was relieved. Humiliating the poor guy even more would solve nothing.

Kifune slowly turned to Yumeko and spoke with a more relaxed demeanor. "No, this is a matter of principle for us. As long as we are welcoming guests, it is our prime responsibility to guarantee the best possible service. We can not be negligent."
Kifune grabbed the boy's hair. "Hurry up and do it", she said to him. Her eyes narrowed again but her gentle smile stayed.

The boy groaned as his head was pushed onto the deck. It hit the wooden planks with a bonk.

"Wait... this is going too far!" I couldn't ignore it any longer, and took a step forward.

Kifune, who was also kneeling, ignored me and spoke to Yumeko instead; "This negligence is also my fault as the one in charge. I offer my deepest apologies."
She stood up, took a step forward and made a pleading gesture to Yumeko. "As a substitute, we can offer you a VIP suite. It will be prepared for you immediately. Please forgive me."

If one of us would be upgraded to a VIP suite, this would actually be great! I looked at Yumeko, expecting her to speak but she remained dead silent and her gentle smile was gone. She was staring into Kifune's eyes intensely.

"There is one other thing", Kifune continued. "Because of this incident, we don't actually have your name. I'm terribly sorry, but may I ask you for it?"

After a brief pause, Kifune got her answer. "Yumeko Jabami."

"Ah, I see", Kifune said with widening eyes. Her tone and demeanor now changed again. Her shoulders trembled slightly and she began to speak in a more mocking, almost provocative way.
"So... you are Yumeko Jabami-sama. Then perhaps, offering you the VIP suite free of charge may be a slightly problematic thing to do. The suite is normally reserved for government officials and the like. It's incomparable with the regular rooms. It would create inequality between you and the other guests in a way that could be seen as uncalled for..."

"Hey, you", Mary interrupted. "Stop it with that attitude."

While I was overwhelmed by the situation, Mary was not. Knowing her character, it was safe to assume she was angered by what just happened. She spoke loudly and didn't bother with politeness, even though she was addressing a third year student. It was a way of talking that usually gets a customer what they want.
"If you are sorry, then just fix it. No need for fancy excuses. Just do your job. Let them know on the island there is one extra coming, and all that."

Kifune immediately turned towards Mary and changed pose. It looked like a habit from combat training kicked in, making her assume a stance with more balance. If physical violence was coming, she was prepared for it.
"Saotome-sama, although it's technically a summer camp, it's essentially a luxury vacation. Free of charge, no less. If you are unable to accept our hospitality, be due to our shortcomings, it is a truly regrettable thing. I guess there is nothing we can do to stop you from returning home now if our services are not up to your standard."

"So we pay for the VIP suite or one of us is kicked out? Is that what this is boiling down to?", Mary said, cutting through the fancy language.

"Oh no! Neither! Not at all!", Kifune replied quickly while smiling again. She seemed oddly pleased with this turn of the conversation.
Kifune stepped towards Yumeko, getting slightly too close for comfort. "I have no intention of charging you anything, Jabami-sama. Instead, I propose we sort this mess out with a gamble."

Mary was clearly not done talking to Kifune, but kept her silence. She stood beside me with a sour face.

"... A gamble, huh?" Yumeko hesitated again before speaking.

"Yes! It's just a simple diversion. Please accept it as one of our services.
If you win the game I'm about to present, Jabami-sama, I will prepare the VIP suite. You will also be assigned personal staff and receive complementary room service. Additionally, a VIP seat in the casino will be at your disposal. It's a great spot with a view of the whole place from above. I would even offer a bunny girl entourage if you were a man.
This is to your liking, is it not, Jabami-sama? Let us play a game." Kifune spoke with narrowed eyes and a wide grin. This was rude politeness at it's peak.

Despite the fair weather and warm summer sun, a shiver ran down my spine. What on earth happened to this girl that made her this way?

"That's nice. So what happens if I lose?", Yumeko said with a calm voice and a blank expression.

"Well, you'll need to sleep somewhere of course, so I'll get a linen room prepared for you", Kifune replied.

A linen room is where hotel staff keeps housekeeping equipment. Bed sheets, detergents, mops and the like. It's technically usable as a sleeping spot if a mattress can be fit in.
I started protesting and Mary backed me up; "Don't accept this, Yumeko. Everyone will look down on you if they know you sleep in a utility closet." It didn't help.

"Let's do it", Yumeko said.

"Wonderful! It's on then." Kifune flicked her fingers and pointed at Yumeko.

Chapter 1, part 3

"The game is simple enough. Look at our bar over there", Kifune said while pointing some distance away. Countless brightly colored bottles were lined up behind it, glittering in the sunlight. Passengers came and went, receiving their drinks from the bartender.

"All our guests can order drinks at the bar and it's all free. Please indulge yourself as well later. Everything is non-alcoholic of course. This is a school event after all. Now, on to the game rules", Kifune continued with a chuckle. "You need to guess what drink a person will order. You can predict anything, but getting it only partially correct does not count. If someone orders a 'Shirley Temple' while you guessed 'ginger ale' it's not good enough, although it is one of the ingredients. That cocktail also contains a syrup and orange juice, along with some other things added for looks."

Yumeko silently listened to Kifune's explanation without showing much emotion. Mary did interrupt although she was not the one playing; "Hold on, Expert-sama. You have a lot more experience with this than we do. Like me, most students would normally prefer the popular soft drinks like cola and iced tea, but in this setting there is no telling for us what exotic stuff they would order."

Kifune chuckled again. "What a typical observation! Down-to-earth students like you are rare at our school, Saotome-sama."

This was exactly the wrong type of thing to say to Mary. Her face turned red and it was like she was about to burst from anger for someone belittling her like that. Kifune yielded, avoiding escalation. "I deeply apologize. You are absolutely right."

Kifune told one of the staff to fetch her the bar menu. What arrived was a leather bound book that had a worn look from all the sunlight exposure.

"Please take a look", Kifune said while opening the book towards Yumeko. The open page had a palm tree drawing on the side, giving it a tropical vibe that helped build up anticipation for Ryouran Island.
"We mix whatever our guests desire. For this game however, we will ignore any orders that are off-menu and move on to guessing the next one. This addresses Saotome-sama's concern and makes the game fairer, wouldn't you agree?"

There were at least a hundred differed drinks. Many of the names were foreign and unfamiliar to me. Reading this under differed circumstances would have been great; another step into the adult world.

"But what if there is a shill in the crowd?", Mary said. "Maybe Suzui and I should pick the people for you both to bet on? Say something Yumeko! It is you who is gambling. Negotiate the rules!"

"No, it's okay. I'll accept the rules as-is", Yumeko said looking at Kifune, still acting cold as ice.

Then, in a snap, she regained her cheerful attitude and smiled warmly as she spoke to Mary. "Thank you, Mary-san. You're kind and helpful as always." Her ability to switch personality like this was perhaps the most frighting thing about her. Her thoughts and feelings were unknowable.

"...Honestly", Mary sighed deeply while crossing her arms and shaking her head.

"Wonderful! It seems we are ready to play. You may pick someone for us to make our predictions on, Jabami-sama", Kifune said while gesturing towards the bar.

"Yes", Yumeko replied, narrowing her eyes and smiling.

Chapter 1, part 4

So how would one approach this game? You'd have to work with broad assumptions about people.
Most would not easily order something they don't know the taste of. There are always the adventurous types but the majority would stick to the familiar.
Fruit based drinks will probably be favored. The palm tree on the menu book and the anticipation of leisure at the resort puts people in a tropical paradise sort of mindset, after all.
Perhaps the guys will more easily go for carbonated drinks while the girls will tend to pick something extra sweetened. Then there is the weather. It's warm and sunny so it's unlikely someone will go for hot coffee.

Kifune's thoughts must have been similar to mine, but what Yumeko was thinking I could not attempt to guess. She always says she doesn't like it when she is guaranteed to lose or guaranteed to win. She lives for the gamble itself rather than the winnings. If anything, she was probably thinking of something that would make the game more exciting, rather than turn it in her favor. Normal people will do all they can to limit risk. Yumeko's nature is to turn up the risk to the max. True excitement comes from games where there's no going back if you lose. As I have observed Yumeko play, I feel like this is her message to the world. With the adjustment to the rules following Mary's comment, this game may very well be a toss-up, so Yumeko has room to work her magic.

Yumeko was looking across the deck for bar customers with her usual gentle smile. By her side was Kifune with her calm, serious and concentrated expression. The skirt of her black uniform was slightly waving in the breeze. Her outfit looked inappropriate for the weather but it didn't seem too hot or uncomfortable for her.
Behind them were Mary and me. Mary still had her arms crossed and was frowning in disapproval. Around us were the staff Kifune arrived with earlier. They were waiting in silence. Although all of us together formed quite a group, people at the bar did not mind us much.
I wondered if Kifune set up a listening device somewhere as a cheat. She seemed not to have any earpiece at least. Her ears were clearly visible thanks to the breeze that played with her hair.

A couple showed up at the bar. They looked at the menu while chatting. Yumeko remained silent.
The bartender handled several bottles and used the silver shaker. The sound of the liquid sloshing in the shaker reached us as we looked at the bartender's fluid and practiced moves. The bright orange contents was poured out in long drink glasses.

"It looks like they both took a 'Cinderella'. I would have guessed that", Kifune said.

Surely, she was lying to unsettle Yumeko. This was the type of game that keeps going until a lucky coincidence occurs. And yet, here was Kifune declaring with confidence she would have guessed right on the first try from a list of over a hundred possible orders.

"How about her? Shall we gamble on her order?", Yumeko said while gesturing.

A girl has just arrived at the bar. There was nothing distinctive about her looks. Nothing that would give away a drink preference, at least. Did Yumeko know her? Probably not. Yumeko didn't have many friends and I'm pretty sure I would have met this girl before if she was one of them.

"Acceptable", Kifune said without hesitation. "Let's declare at the same time. One... two... three..."

"Lemonade." Yumeko's guess was the same as mine. I was nice that our thoughts aligned, but this was not the time to dwell on that. I was listening to Yumeko but missed what Kifune said.

"What was Izayoi-san's guess?", I asked Mary.

"No take-backs, you know", Mary said to Kifune. It seems she did hear Kifune's words but was ignoring me asking for them.

"Of course. I stand by it", Kifune replied.

"Everybody got that?!", Mary said loudly. She was making sure Kifune's staff could hear her as well. "Izayoi-san predicted hot coffee with milk!"

What? When negotiating the rules, nothing was said about the temperature of the drink. It was implied only the drink itself mattered, not if it was hot or iced. There were common hot drinks on the menu, but someone ordering them was unlikely. Given the exotic choices, the vacation atmosphere and the weather, why would someone order something plain and hot they could have gotten anywhere at any time? Mary probably asked Kifune for confirmation because she was as surprised as I was.
The bartender started to prepare the drink while talking with the girl. Kifune maintained her cool composure, which was a bit unnerving, given that she had made such an odd bet.

So it's 'lemonade' against 'café au lait'. Surely, Yumeko had the advantage in this round, but Kifune's bold move must be a strategy for the long run of some sorts.

The girl received her drink. She thanked the bartender while smiling and walked off towards us. There were benches behind us and it looked like she was heading to them. In her hand was a non-transparent, thermal, lidded cup. Kifune stepped forward and approached her.

"I'm awfully sorry, but I'm afraid I need to ask you for your cooperation. Could I perhaps have your drink? You will get a replacement right away, of course. I'm in a gamble with one of the other guests and it would amuse us if we could examine your cup", Kifune said to the girl with a short, polite bow.

The girl was surprised and hesitated, but when seeing the replacement drink that was already fetched for her by one of the staff, she went along with it.

"You saw how we swapped, right?", Kifune said while walking back to us and facing Mary. "What I have in my hand how is the original order. Could you check for us what it is exactly, Saotome-sama? I think everybody is fine with you being the judge."

Mary looked at Kifune in bewilderment. Then she did what was asked and removed the lid. "No way...", she said while her eyes widened. She slowly took a sip from the cup. After swirling it around in her mouth, to be sure of the taste, she swallowed it. The expression of bewilderment was still on her face. She said nothing.

"So, how is it, Saotome-sama?", Kifune asked in a flat tone.

Mary remained motionless, still holding the drink. It was silent recognition. I walked over to her and looked into the cup. Sure enough, it had the white-brown color of coffee with milk.

"I've won the gamble... haven't I?", Kifune said while slowly turning towards Yumeko. She dragged out the last part of the sentence in way that was clearly meant as mockery.

Kifune dropped the refined politeness she was so proudly holding up earlier. Her eyes were filled with contempt, like a noble looking at a commoner. She was smiling with one side of her mouth. It was like one corner of her mouth was pulled up by a fishing hook. The cheek was bulging outward as it had nowhere else to go. Kifune looked downright demonic, smiling in such an ugly, distorted way.

"This ship is headed for Ryouran Island, the pride of our prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy. Do you have any idea of how important Ryouran is? No, I'm sure you haven't..., Jabami-sama." Kifune looked Yumeko straight in the eyes as she stepped closer to her. It was clearly provocative body language that Kifune permitted herself now, having won the game.

"When our country finally legalizes casinos as part of the tourist lure, Ryouran Island will surely become an example case. In fact, many from the political and business elite have visited it often already for inspections. In other words, it is sacred land and essential for the future of Japan. To set foot there means to set foot in the realm of the upper class... Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Kifune's eyes were wide open, it looked like the corners could snap. "Fidos and Mittens defiling the place is absolutely unforgivable!"

Kifune's voice was menacing but she spoke quietly. Probably only we could hear her as the sound of the sea swallowed up background noises. Fidos and Mittens. These are the nicknames given to the unfortunate souls that are reduced to housepet status at our school. Slaves, for everyone to treat like livestock. Yumeko, Mary and I were all housepets at some point.

Kifune ran her fingers through Yumeko's silky smooth black hair, pushing it along the ear. She rubbed a lock of it between her fingers. "It's still there, isn't it?", she asked with a hissing voice. She grabbed the lock and yanked it towards her nose, forcing Yumeko's head forward. She sniffed it loudly. "The stench of an animal", she hissed again.

"That's enough!", I shouted without thinking. Kifune snapped back into her professional self. She quickly turned towards me and looked at me directly with a plain expression and a faint smile.

"Oh, I apologize profusely, Suzui-sama. I got carried away. Please rest assured. As promised, the linen room will be prepared. I hope you will enjoy Ryouran Island and the services we provide. Mind yourself at the casino, though. No matter how hard you try, I'm sure you'll only keep losing."
Kifune stepped back a little and gave the same theatrical bow as when she introduced herself. "Our ship will soon arrive at Ryouran. Please enjoy your exciting trip." She turned around and left with her assistants following her.

Then there was silence. None of us three said anything. Kifune had taken control of the situation, lured out a gamble and decisively won. The game looked fair enough, but it was over a bit too quickly. Looking back at it, a lot of what Kifune said were probably lies. The sign up mistake and the room shortage were likely made up in order to target Yumeko.
What was the motive, though? I couldn't see how setting up Yumeko with a utility closet would accomplish anything. It didn't seem that severe of a thing considering Kifune runs the place. There are plenty more serious ways in which Kifune could cause trouble.

Yumeko wasn't injured but she was subjected to violence. Her head was still leaning forward from the pull with her hair covering her face.

"Are you alright?", I asked her while seeking her eyes. What I saw shocked me just as much as what came before. Yumeko was smiling. She was biting on her index finger, seemingly to suppress the laughter welling up inside of her.

"Hehehe, I see how it is...", she said to herself. Her pupils were widened in excitement and looked like two back holes that were somehow smiling along with her mouth. It was the face of a demon. Equally unnatural as Kifune's expression earlier, but totally differed.

"Are you alright?", I asked again.

Yumeko responded this time and did so with a cheerful attitude, no less. "Yes, of course. I lost. What a shame."

"What do you mean, 'what a shame'?! And you stayed silent after being hurt like that as well! She may be the island owner or whatever, but that doesn't make any of this acceptable!", Mary shouted while stomping the deck in frustration.

"I'm sorry, Mary-san, but... oooh!" Yumeko noticed something and did not finish her sentence. Instead, she ran off towards the ship's bow, leaned over the railing, stretched her arm as far out as possible and pointed. "Look! There is the island! It's so green and beautiful!"

Mary and I followed her to the front of the ship, but with a lot less enthusiasm. The island was slowly coming closer. It was densely covered with trees. We would see them up close soon enough.

"I'm looking forward to this so much, Suzui-san. Let's have lots of fun", Yumeko said. She turned around, showing a genuine smile. The wind was slightly stronger now and she had to hold her hair to prevent it from waving in front of her eyes.

It was as if Kifune and her game were completely forgotten. Yumeko showed no bitterness, only childlike excitement for the time she was about to spend with her friends. It was a most lovely and endearing sight, truly worthy of being captured as a photo. I was a little embarrassed witnessing it and averted my eyes.

Chapter 1, part 5

In my somewhat cramped cabin was a large ebony desk with a computer, a phone and stacks of documents on it. My comfy, padded chair creaked in protest as I leaned back in it. I took a loud slurp of coffee from my mug before speaking. "That was a great job. You're quite the actor."

"Thank you, boss. That's too much praise", said the boy from the other side of the desk. He was the one who was made to bow to Yumeko and her group.
"Although, couldn't we have gone with some scheme to boot her from the island entirely?", he continued. No trace of the distress he had shown earlier remained. There was no conflict between us. The drama on the deck was all an act.

"We could have, but the other guests might have noticed. It may damage our reputation if they see someone singled out and removed. Anyway, Jabami turned out not to be such a problem after all. It was so naive of her to agree to that game", I said.

"It sure was", he replied. "Nobody told me there would be a gamble, however. Was there some kind of trick to your drink guessing?"

"What?", I said while raising an eyebrow. "You're implying the manager of this fine establishment is a dirty cheater?"

"No, no! I didn't mean to...", the boy began saying with a frightened voice.

I smiled and gestured him to come closer while putting down my mug. His approach was hesitant with careful steps, as if the cabin had landmines. He sidestepped the desk and came in front of me directly, kneeling. I poked his cheek with my index finger.

"Just kidding. Of course I was cheating. The bartender was in on it", I said. This kind of mischief is something I could often not resist.

The boy was visibly relieved. He stood up and then quickly bowed. "Boss, for the Kansankai and for you, I'll always do my utmost."

"I have high expectations of everyone on staff who is also a Kansankai member. Please continue to excel", I replied.

It was unthinkable that I would let the ship depart without confirming all the passenger names. I was well aware that Yumeko was on board.

"Anyone who defeated student council members needs to be approached with care. I tried to measure up her abilities and was disappointed. She is just a gambling addict. At best a lucky one. The poker tournament will proceed as planned. Start the preparations as soon as the ship arrives. We may be able to repay the loan if we do well this year. This is our chance to shine."

"Yes, boss", the boy said and left the cabin.

I picked up my still steaming mug and stared at my reflection in the coffee. "Ryouran is my future, I won't let anyone take it away from me", I said to myself and took another sip.