Chapter 45: The Path to Victory

The next morning, as I was on my way to school, I felt a light tap on my shoulder from behind, as if someone lightly hit me with a bag or something.

"Good morning, Horagasaki-kun."

"Morning."

There was Matsushita, looking surprised as she glanced at my face and asked,

"That injury... What happened?"

"Oh, this? I tripped on my way home yesterday. Heh, pretty lame, right?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

Matsushita looked at me with worried eyes, probably realizing that what I said might be a lie. Despite appearances, Matsushita likely had hidden skills akin to Kiyotaka.

Matsushita definitely had abilities that surpassed ordinary people. Why doesn't she show her true strength? Well, I can't really judge others either.

"Hey, Matsushita..."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"...Nah, it's nothing. Forget it."

"Hehe, you're weird."

That day, a slightly unusual event occurred. It happened during lunch break while we were on our way to have lunch with the Kiyopon group.

"Hey, Ichinose, we should definitely protest!"

As we walked with Akito and the others, I heard Shibata's agitated voice. It was unusual for him to be so worked up. He's in the soccer club like Hirata, but while their types are different, he's quite popular with the girls. He can be annoying at times... well, never mind that. Ichinose tried to calm him down.

"But what if it's not a coincidence?"

"I doubt that. This is the third time now. They're definitely looking for a fight," he said.

Noticing us, Kagasaki prompted Shibata.

"Hey, are you guys heading to lunch?"

Ichinose asked the whole group in that manner.

"Well, maybe we're going to a café."

"Oh, so it's a coincidence, huh? Us too," she said.

It seemed like she wanted to imply that they'd join us. And Ichinose seemed a bit embarrassed saying so.

"If you guys don't mind, how about having lunch together?"

"What's your intention, Ichinose?" Kanzaki asked warily.

"What intention... We're not fighting against Class C, so it's fine, right?"

"That's true, but..."

It's not welcoming, huh? Maybe there's a chance they'll leak information to other classes. That's probably what they're thinking. But once Ichinose said it, the decision couldn't be reversed.

We ended up taking two tables in a corner of the café for our meal.

"Sorry for inviting you. Don't hold back, it's on me," Ichinose said.

Kanzaki reacted excessively to that. He probably doesn't have much spare money since he paid 20 million points to help the whole class in the last vote.

"We were planning to eat normally anyway, so we'll take care of ourselves," I said, and everyone in the group nodded in agreement.

"I invited you forcefully, so don't worry about it," Ichinose said.

"I'll worry about it on the contrary," I replied.

To maintain equality, I retorted, and everyone in the Kiyopon group nodded. Then Keisei spoke up.

"So, why did you invite us?"

"It seemed like Shibata-kun's issue was overheard earlier. It might be less confusing to speak honestly," she said.

A reasonable judgment. But why was he so angry earlier?

"There might be someone related to us in Class C," Kanzaki warned.

"Even so, won't it have no impact?" Ichinose asked.

"True, it might just be complaints," Shibata said with a smile, but Kanzaki glared at him.

"What's up, Kanzaki... And Horagasaki, you're not laughing either!"

"Sorry, sorry."

"Damn it."

Shibata said, clinging to me. This guy is such a pain!

"If we've been heard this far, isn't it best to speak up?" Kanzaki finally relented.

"Yeah, you're right," I agreed.

Shibata's foolish remarks made Kanzaki cave. He's definitely an idiot.

"In simple terms, it seems like we're receiving some harassment from Class D," I explained.

"Harassment?" Shibata asked, still with his hand on my back. Hey, let go.

"Seems like me, Nakanishi, and Beppu are facing similar issues. They're just randomly picking on us or following us. Beppu was cornered by Alberto without a word and it was pretty scary," I said.

"Could it be that they like you?" Shibata blurted out, and everyone in the Kiyopon group widened their eyes in surprise. This guy is hopeless.

"That's... definitely not it!"

Thank goodness, it was just a joke.

"I asked the two of them to confirm, and it's true. For now, the fact that it hasn't escalated into a fight is a relief," Kanzaki added.

Seems like there's no physical harm from being chased around. But getting chased by Alberto would be scary.

"I wish they'd stop. Class D already has a scary reputation. Doesn't Class C understand?" Shibata said.

He's probably referring to the incident with Sudo in the first semester. Keisei, who was observing the exchange, spoke up.

"Indeed, Class D does have a bad image, but it wouldn't be strange if there's some sort of pressure from them. After all, we're facing reconnaissance-like activities from Class A," he said.

"Really?" Kanzaki nodded, and Keisei recounted the story of students from Class A eavesdropping. Shibata seemed to understand, but the B class was probably more affected.

"If we fight them head-on, we'll definitely have the upper hand. It's a test where it's best to assume there's some sort of trickery until we're almost breaking the rules," Kanzaki analyzed.

"It's unlikely for Kaneda-kun to give the orders, maybe it's Ishizaki-kun. But we'll just do what we can," Keisei said optimistically.

Ichinose and Shibata agreed with Keisei's positive opinion. But Ichinose and Kanzaki hadn't interacted with them. It's probably... Ryuen, huh.

"Is everything okay, Harugasaki-kun?" Ichinose called out to me, interrupting my thoughts.

"Ah, no, I was just thinking it might be Ishizaki. Haha."

"What can I say, Class B is a really beautiful class."

"I don't know, maybe people think we're not that skillful."

Ichinose laughed a little like that.

"In any case, if we keep talking about Shibata, it will mean that we are involved in the D-class operation, so I have no intention of making an enemy of the B-class."

Everyone except Kiyotaka hung their heads in agreement.

Are you going to become my enemy?

"Thank you so much everyone."

Ichinose thanked the students from class C, then looked at me and suddenly touched my hair.

After lunch was over and Ichinose and the others had parted ways, Hasebe let out something.

"I'm sure Ichinose-san is cute, don't you think that smile at the end isn't a violation?"

"I'm different."

"What do you think, Horagasaki-kun?" she asked.

"I don't really..."

"Ah, Yukimu's remembering and blushing."

"I'm not!"

"You don't have to deny it. Even girls think Ichinose-san is cute, so it's no surprise boys are smitten. Right, Jinjin?"

"That's... she's cute."

"Yeah, right? Kiyopon and Miyacchi think so too, right?"

They said that, then awkwardly laughed it off. But Seriously, she smelled like citrus. She was wearing perfume.

....

The homeroom in the classroom had ended, and at the same time, the events from Class A were announced.

"Chess" - 1 participant, waiting time: 1 hour

Rules: Follows regular chess rules. However, the waiting time does not increase after the 41st move.

Commander: Can give instructions using their allocated time for up to 30 minutes.

"Flash Mental Arithmetic" - 2 participants, time: 30 minutes

Rules: Compete in accuracy and speed using mental arithmetic.

Commander: Can change the answer for one question.

"Go" - 3 participants, time: 1 hour, "Sudden Death"

Rules: Conduct three simultaneous one-on-one matches. Normal rules apply.

Commander: Can offer advice at any time.

"Modern Literature Test" - 4 participants, time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of questions covering the learning scope for the year and compete based on the total points.

Commander: Can answer one question instead.

"Social Studies Test" - 5 participants, time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of questions covering the learning scope for the year and compete based on the total points.

Commander: Can answer one question instead.

"Math Test" - 7 participants, time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of questions covering the learning scope for the year and compete based on the total points.

Commander: Can answer one question instead.

"English Test" - 8 participants, time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of questions covering the learning scope for the year and compete based on the total points.

Commander: Can answer one question instead.

"Volleyball" - 6 participants, 10 points, best of 3 sets

Rules: Follow regular volleyball rules.

Commander: Can substitute three members at any time.

"Jump Rope" - 20 participants, time: 30 minutes

Rules: The class that jumps the most in two challenges wins.

Commander: Can change the order of the opponents once.

"Dodgeball" - 18 participants, 10 minutes, 2 sets

Rules: Normal rules apply. In the event of a tie, sudden death occurs.

Commander: Can return one player who is out to the court at any time.

"Surprisingly, they've included sports as well. I thought they'd stick to all written exams. Still, there's a possibility of it being a fake-out," said Hokkita, my first impression, which I shared. Probably, the Class A side won't include sports events.

However, in this class, many students might not know the rules of Go or chess. Can they learn within this week? Regarding chess, the commanders have too much discretionary time. So, it's highly likely to turn into a battle between commanders. It's better to assume that chess will always be included from Class A.

"Hey, Horikita, shouldn't we get into serious information warfare as well?" Keisei, feeling anxious, suggested, but the boys in the class retorted.

"But it won't be easy to find out."

"Even if that's the case, we have to do it."

"I understand how you feel, but we can't make a decision right away. First, let's see how many experienced participants we have for each event."

During the break, Keisei made Horikita take some time, probably to gather information from Class A. Even if I approach Kamuro, I can't completely deny the possibility of it being a fake-out, and he's one of Sakayanagi's right-hand men. Considering that, currently, the only one who can get information from Class A is Katsuragi.

He might be somewhat hoping for Sakayanagi's defeat.

But it won't be that easy. Katsuragi is fundamentally honest, and although he might feel humiliated to be under Sakayanagi in this test, he probably won't leak information disadvantageous to Class A.

"Wait a minute, Hirata-kun."

After school, Horikita called out to Hirata, who was about to leave first. However, he continued walking without turning back.

"Just one thing to confirm. We're not planning to use you on the day of the test, but it might change depending on the situation. If that happens, what will you do? Will you drag down the class with your lack of motivation or at least do the minimum?"

But Hirata still didn't respond, and Horikita sighed, giving up, while voices of concern leaked from the girls in the class.

"He might never change..."

"But maybe he will? Look."

"Huh?"

I subtly directed Horikita's gaze towards where Michan was persistently approaching Hirata without giving up.

"He's not giving up yet."

"I can't comprehend it at all."

Seeing this, Keisei stood up.

"Horikita, I'll go."

Saying that, he followed Michan.

Horikita put her hand to her forehead, striking

 a troubled pose, but that was understandable. That Hirata is already in a tough spot.

"In any case, we need to coordinate the class's precision."

"Yes, and by the way, Horagasaki-kun, what's your specialty? I haven't asked yet."

"Basically, anything is fine."

Casually placing both hands behind my head, I replied, and for a moment, Horikita looked surprised and met my eyes.

"It's the same answer as Koenji-kun's, but it will surely bring victory, won't it?"

"Of course."

I gave Horikita a V sign, and she sighed, giving her consent.

After following Michan, I'll go to Hirata. The rest is up to Keisei. If this doesn't work out, Hirata might be beyond saving. Well, personally, it would be better if he could function.

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