Chapter 130: -129- Do my best to help
Watching Sakura Airi's blushing face in front of him, Hori couldn't help but feel amused.
So, Hori spoke up.
"Anyway, why don't you sit down first?"
After saying that, Hori made a little space by moving slightly, allowing a part of the shade he occupied to become available.
It was just a subconscious gesture.
However, without a doubt, Hori wanted Sakura Airi to sit beside him.
"Well... then I'll disturb you."
Sakura Airi sat down next to Hori somewhat awkwardly.
Because of the close distance, Sakura Airi seemed a bit nervous, and her shoulders were deliberately avoiding contact with Hori, giving off a somewhat ambiguous feeling.
Even though they had known each other for several months, she still seemed uncomfortable with physical contact like this. It really spoke to Sakura Airi's character.
Of course, compared to others, Hori was treated relatively well.
If it were any other member of the opposite sex, let alone asking Sakura Airi to sit beside them, just exchanging a few words might make Sakura Airi flee due to discomfort.
In comparison, while Sakura Airi still felt nervous and awkward around Hori, she didn't reject being close to him.
In the entire Advanced Nurturing High School, there was probably only Hori who could enjoy such treatment. Even among the female students, there probably wasn't anyone as close to Sakura Airi as Hori.
As his first friend in this school, Hori also took rare care of her.
Currently, while continuing to paint, Hori struck up a conversation with Sakura Airi.
"It's been a while since we entered the forest. How are you feeling? Are you getting used to it?"
As soon as this question was raised, Sakura Airi's expression became somewhat embarrassed.
"I feel like... ever since we entered the forest, I've been causing trouble for everyone," Sakura Airi sighed and said, "My physical strength isn't very good, my motor skills aren't as good as others', my mind isn't very sharp, and I'm not good at communicating with everyone. So, ever since we entered the forest, I've been relying on others' help. I'm really useless."
Indeed.
Because of her average physical abilities, Sakura Airi almost suffered from sunstroke on the beach, and since entering the forest, she had been rushing along under Kushida Kikyou's care. She didn't even realize that if Hori hadn't been secretly monitoring her physical condition and deliberately slowing down to match her pace, she might have collapsed from exhaustion.
These situations made Sakura Airi deeply aware of her uselessness, leading her to become self-deprecating like this, which was inevitable.
"But aren't you doing well with your handicraft work?" Hori, as if expecting Sakura Airi to become like this, continued painting without stopping but said, "Even now, the girls are still working, and you're already done. It's not because you're lazy, but because you've already done your part, right?"
Therefore, Sakura Airi came here to console her.
This level of efficiency in her work was already very good.
"Well... that's because this is the task assigned by Nanaya-kun. Whenever I think that I must help Nanaya-kun, I can't help but try my best. By the time I realize it, the work is already finished." Sakura Airi said in a somewhat embarrassed tone, "Normally, I wouldn't be able to do this because I'm clumsy."
"Is that so?" Hori smiled subtly and said, "But being able to come in handy at critical moments is also a rare talent. I think you can be a little proud of yourself for this, it's okay."
Rather than saying that, without this, Sakura Airi would be too lacking in confidence.
For this girl, it was necessary to feel happy and proud of her efforts.
Unfortunately, she didn't seem to think so.
"This level is nothing," Sakura Airi hugged her knees, lowered her head, and said in a barely audible voice, "Compared to Nanaya-kun, I'm still too useless."
This should be the main reason why Sakura Airi felt ashamed, right?
"Nanaya-kun is really amazing. Not only can you attract the attention of other classes, but you can also lead everyone to find this base. Now, as the leader, you gained everyone's trust and everyone relies on you." Sakura Airi said with a mixture of joy and inferiority, "If it's Nanaya-kun, you can definitely lead everyone in the class to pass this special exam together."
At these words, Hori's expression remained unchanged.
"Indeed, everyone in the class is relying on me." Hori said indifferently, "But can that be considered trust?"
At least, Hori didn't think these people in the class had any fondness for him.
Right now, these people only affirmed Hori's abilities.
To be as beloved as Hirata Yousuke by almost everyone in the class, Hori couldn't do it.
However...
"Everyone really trusts you." Sakura Airi, rarely speaking with such certainty, said, "Even the girls have begun to feel that if it's Nanaya-kun, there won't be any problems."
Although Sakura Airi's words were vague, Hori could still understand the general meaning.
Even if it's just about ability, trust is trust.
The members of Class D gradually obey every instruction from Hori because they believe in his ability to lead them out of difficult situations, right?
This isn't just because of the three agreements made earlier.
If Hori hadn't demonstrated sufficient ability, no matter what, the class wouldn't have been so accommodating.
So, even if it's just about ability, Hori has indeed gained the trust of the members of Class D.
If Hirata Yousuke and Kushida Kikyou have established popularity, then Hori has established authority.
By now, there shouldn't be anyone doubting Hori's decisions, right?
This is the proof that Hori's authority has deeply penetrated into everyone's hearts.
"I... I'll also do my best."
Watching Hori still diligently painting, Sakura Airi squinted her eyes somewhat dazzlingly, and also cheered up, making a weak but firm statement.
"Although I'm useless, I'll do my best to help Nanaya-kun."
Is this Sakura Airi's insignificant wish?
And it's precisely this wish that brought a subtle smile to Hori's face without leaving a trace.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Hori didn't say anything more, just shrugged and said so.
"Mm!"
Sakura Airi nodded happily.
Next, the two chatted for a while before parting ways.
Thanks to the efforts of the classmates, the entire campsite has gradually taken shape.
Seeing this, Hori felt it was time.
"Now, let's form exploration teams and go explore the forest."
Hori announced this to the students who were gradually completing their work.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone