Vol. 5 Chp. 1: Sports Festival Info

'...': Writing

'...': Sign language

"...": Text to speech

"The surnames of the students divided up in order of the zodiac animals were the key to figuring out the 'target' then."

As summer vacation ended, Hirata, Karuizawa, Horikita, and I gathered at the farthest table in the busy cafe called "Palette." We discussed the shipboard particular exam earlier and reviewed the answers to the search for the "target" challenge, which was conducted in mixed teams divided into groups of the 12 zodiacs.

"The rabbit is the 4th in the zodiac. Ayanokouji-kun, Ichinose-san, Ibuki-san, and Karuizawa-san. It would continue in that order."

"I see. If that's the order, then I'm the 4th. That's why I was the 'target' then."

Upon seeing them, Karuizawa nods in approval. Despite their initial mismatch, the presence of Hirata somehow erases their incompatibility. It's a mystery.

"But you know, that rule is straightforward. Almost anyone could understand it. That means the Dragon group Horikita-san and the others belonged to was the 5th, so Kanzaki-san would have been the 'target,' right?"

Having heard the answer, Karuizawa inserted the straw into the pack and sipped milk.

"Finding the answer during an exam can be challenging, even if you know it. Even with three potential examples from your class, proving the rules that determine the targets may not be easy."

"What about Kagurazaka-kun?" Karuizawa asked, "Didn't he mention knowing who all the VIPs were?"

That's true. He even managed to stop Class C from winning. Ryuuen was certain his class would prevail.

"Yes, but he isn't here to explain," Horikita turned to me, "Weren't you supposed to invite him?"

I tried... The moment I mentioned Karuizawa would be there, he disagreed immediately.

He's undoubtedly holding a grudge.

"What worries me is Class C. During the middle of the exam, Ryuuen-kun discovered the rules," Hirata changed the topic.

"But, isn't it strange? If that's the case, why did he make a mistake?"

"I also felt uneasy about the situation. While there was a significant risk involved, if he knew and followed the rules, it wouldn't have been surprising if he had managed to identify all the 'targets.' In essence, there should have been no errors."

However, judging from the situation, Class C gave a wrong answer. Did Ryuuen bluff about knowing all the targets? Kagurazaka gave our VIPs, but I don't think he told Ryuuen about who they were.

Horikita then voiced the deduction she had made from a slightly different perspective, "Even if Ryuuen-kun seemingly dominates Class C, couldn't it be that it's not monolithic? There should be more than a few people dissatisfied with his dictatorship."

"Certainly, that's true. The right to answer is given to all students, so students who did not comply with Ryuuen-kun's plan or those he failed to control made a blunder. That line of thought can not be ruled out either. If they give a correct answer, they gain many points. "

The conjectures of Horikita and Hirata follow a good line of thought. However, it's also a fact that one can not say why; if there were a traitor, Ryuuen would thoroughly root out that individual.

"What do you think about this, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Due to such an act from Horikita, both Hirata and Karuizawa turned their eyes towards me. I ended up unconsciously choking from that overconcentrated gaze on me.

"I think we should ask Kagurazaka. Maybe he understands," I threw him right under the bus.

"Either way, our priority is to establish this relationship right now. I am happy to talk like this with Horikita-san and Ayanokouji-kun. "

Initially, Horikita hesitated to engage in the conversation Hirata had requested. However, after completing the particular exam together, it appears that Horikita's perspective has changed. She faced a challenging situation and realized she could not handle everything independently.

"It can't be helped, right? The zodiac exam was a special one that you cannot overcome alone. If this can be predicted to be the same in the future, a certain degree of connection will also become necessary."

Horikita's change of heart may have been due to this crucial factor. It's undeniable that fighting alone in isolation can only get you so far. In the future, there may be many small challenges that we cannot overcome alone as a society.

Classroom

Kagurazaka's POV

Kagurazaka's private points: 491,869+37,800+1,305,000=1,834,669

"Please note that classes will resume as usual starting today. However, during the second semester in September and early October, physical education classes will be increased monthly to prepare for the sports festival. Please keep this in mind when you receive your new timetables. You will also receive material related to the sports festival and the timetables. The students at the front will distribute the printouts to those in the back."

When "sports festival" was mentioned, some students screamed excitedly while others seemed less enthused.

"Once again, the school's HP will present the same details as the printouts. If necessary, remember to use it as a reference."

"Sensei, is this also one of the special exams?" As the class representative, Hirata asked that question.

"You lot are free to interpret it however you want. Either way, there's no mistaking the fact that it will have a massive influence on every class".

A scream came from the unathletic students. In a regular school, they might have been able to skip or hold back on this event, but the fate of their class rests on it, so they cannot avoid it. In contrast, students like Sudou, who are confident in their athleticism, are excited and see this as their chance to contribute to the class in a non-intellectual way. This is their first exam where they can show their physical abilities.

"It is possible that some individuals have already realized that the sports festival has implemented a system where all school years are split into two groups to compete against each other. Your class, Class D, has been designated to the Red Team. Class A will also be competing on the Red Team, making them your teammates for the duration of the sports festival."

Class B and Class C were part of the White Team, and the sports festival will be the Red Team vs. the White Team.

"Woah, seriously? It'll be something like that!?"

Chabashira-sensei ignored Ike's outburst and continued, "First of all, look over the outcomes that can come of the sports festival. I don't feel like explaining often, so make sure to listen up well this once."

1. The sports festival's competitive system is built upon dividing all school years between the Red Team and the White Team.

Class A and Class D will be on the Red Team.

Class B and Class C will be on the White Team

2. Allocation of points for all participants in the competitions (Individual Contests)

1st placer gets 15 points

2nd placer gets 12 points

3rd placer gets 10 points

4th placer gets 8 points

One point each will be deducted for placing lower than 5th place.

In the case of team competitions, the winning team will be allocated 500 points.

3. Allocation of points for participants of recommended competitions

1st placer gets 50 points

2nd placer gets 30 points

3rd placer gets 15 points

4th placer gets 10 points

2 points each will be deducted for placing lower than 5th place

The relay, which will be the final contest, will be awarding three times the points.

5. The impact of the outcome of Red Team vs. White Team

From the totality of all the school years, the losing team will have 100 points equally subtracted from their class points across all school years.

6. The impact of the separate ordering of school years

The class that takes 1st place will be awarded 50 class points.

The class that takes 2nd place will not have any change to their class points.

The class that takes 3rd place will have 50 class points deducted.

The class that takes 4th place will have 100 class points deducted.

"It's a simple matter; it means it's necessary to compete by going all out without letting your guard down. Because the penalty that the losing team incurs is by no means a light one."

"Umm, sensei. How many points does the winning team get? There seems to be no mention of that?" Hirata asked a simple question.

"Nothing. Only there will be no minus to their points."

"Uge, are you serious? That doesn't sound good at all".

Individual Competition Rewards

For students placing 1st in the individual competitions, 5000 private points or the equivalent of 3 marks in a written exam will be awarded.

For students placing 2nd in the individual competitions, 3000 private points or the equivalent of 2 marks in a written exam will be awarded.

For students placing 3rd in the individual competitions, 1000 private points or the equivalent of 1 mark in a written exam will be awarded.

For students ranking the lowest in the individual competitions, 1000 private points will be subtracted.

Regarding Foul Play

When participating in any competition, it is essential to not only read the rules but also follow them. Any violations will result in disqualification, and individuals with malicious intent may be removed from the competition. In such a case, any points they have earned up to that point may be forfeited.

Best Performing Student Reward

For the student who receives the highest score across all competitions, 100,000 private points will be awarded.

Best Performing Student Reward For Individual Classes

The top three students with the highest competition scores will receive 10,000 private points yearly.

"S-Sensei! You get these privileges when you enter 1st place and 2nd place! What do you mean you can receive marks for written exams with them!?" Ike requested a detailed explanation.

Chabashira-sensei lightly chuckles, "It's exactly what you were thinking. At the sports festival, the prizes you win can give you marks that you can use to boost your written exam scores. These marks can be beneficial if you struggle with English and Mathematics. Each mark you get can be used however you want and will be extremely useful for your upcoming tests."

There was a flip side to it, though.

At the end of each school year, all competition points will be tallied, and the ten individuals with the lowest scores will receive penalties. It is essential to check with the instructor responsible for the competition to understand the specific penalties for that year. This information can also be found at the bottom of the competition guidelines.

"Sensei, what kind of penalty will this be?"

"Please be aware that there will be a penalty for poor performance on the following written exam. The ten students with the lowest scores will receive a deduction of 10 marks. Details on how the conclusion will be applied will be explained closer to the exam date, so I cannot answer any questions about it now. The announcement of the bottom ten students will be made at the same time as the explanation for the exam."

Let's take a look at the events.

Universal Participation Events

100-meter dash

Hurdle race

Capture-the-flag (Boys-Only)

Ball-toss game (Girls-Only)

Tug of war divided by gender

Obstacle course race

Three-legged race

Cavalry battle

200-meter dash

Recommended Only Participation Events

Scavenger hunt

Omnidirectional tug-of-war

Mixed-gender three-legged race

Three school years mixed 1200-meter relay

Gymnasium

During our second homeroom period, it was decided that students across all school years would be having a meeting. Over 400 people, including instructors and students, gathered in the gymnasium. The entire student body was divided between the Red and White teams from the first to the third years.

"I am Fujimaki from Class A of the third year. It has been decided that I will be taking charge of the Red Team for this event. "

You're not Manabu.

"To start, I have some advice for the first-year students. While this may not apply to everyone, it's essential to understand how crucial the sports festival is. The skills and knowledge you acquire during the festival will undoubtedly be useful. Even during exams, some parts may feel like a game, but it's crucial to remember that each one is a battle that determines your survival at school."

From the senior students, such ambiguous yet appreciated words of advice came.

"Since you don't have a feel for it yet, maybe you might not be motivated right now. But since we're doing it anyway, we'll aim to hold firmly onto that feeling. That alone is something everyone should keep in mind. "

Having said those weighted words, Fujimaki looked around at the Red Team once before continuing.

"The only event in which all the school years will participate is the 1200-meter relay at the end. Other than that, all other events will divide the school years. After this, please assemble according to your school years and discuss your strategy in the future. "

Following Fujimaki's words, Class A, led by Katsuragi, assembled in droves.

Class D appeared nervous around the elite gathering. Class A had outstanding grades in the first semester, unmatched by others.

"It seems we'll be forming a united front bizarrely, but let's get along. If possible, I think we could join forces without quarrels among teammates. "

"I feel the same way, too, Katsuragi-kun. Let's get along. "

Standing at a close distance from one another, Katsuragi and Hirata both declare their intention to cooperate.

The one who explained was not the person in question herself, but rather, Katsuragi.

According to rumors, the other leader of Class A split up Class A's forces between herself and Katsuragi.

Even as the gazes of her surroundings became focused on that figure of hers, she showed no signs of paying any heed to them.

"She's real cute..." Someone said.

But the boys could not muster up the usual air of joking around and do something like call out to her.

Sakayanagi had a strong will that was reflected in her eyes. People felt a sense of caution around her as if something terrible might happen if they got too close. However, Sakayanagi was aware of the attention she was receiving and smiled kindly.

"It is unfortunate for me, but I will not be helpful to you. I will be losing every competition due to absence. "

A faint yet strong will.

She apologizes for the weakness of her body.

"I will end up inconveniencing my class and Class D both. For that, first of all, please allow me to apologize. "

"I don't think it's anything to apologize for. No one will be hounding you on that, after all."

Starting with Hirata down to Sudou, nobody said a word of complaint regarding that to the girl. Nobody attacked her for something that just could not be helped.

"The school is also being harsh. If her body can not handle it, they should have overlooked it. "

"That's right, don't mind it."

"I am most grateful for your kindness."

I was the only one to muster up the courage to approach her. The gentle smile turned into smugness, "Hello, Kagurazaka-kun. I hope you've been doing well."

'I've been okay.'

"Do you need something from this frail maiden?" She asked.

'Can you tell your purple-haired spy to stop watching me?'

"Fufufu, you must be talking about Kamuro-san. Yes, I can do that," Sakayanagi said, "I should also thank you for protecting one of my faction members."

Faction member?

'Who?'

"Class A's sleepy angel, Fukuyama Shinobu," Sakayanagi said, giggling, "Fufufu, you seemed to have wormed your way through her blanket."

~Timeskip~

Classroom

We have started getting ready for the sports festival which will begin in a month. Our once-a-week homeroom, typically for two hours, is now free. We can use this time however we want, and our class will decide how to spend it. We must make two critical decisions to prepare for the event, significantly impacting the outcome. Our classmate Hirata, who is seen as a leader, has taken the lead in making these decisions.

Chabashira-sensei, who moved towards the back of the classroom as though she were vacating the stage, did not say a single word. She likely intends to watch over the situation.

"In preparation for the sports festival, we will begin to take action, but before we start our practice, there are several things we need to decide on, I believe. The important things are the order of event participation and the Recommended Only Participation events. I think it's important to decide how to approach those."

"Even if you say decide, how will we do that?"

From Sudou's perspective, a rather uninteresting discussion is starting.

"Yeah. For instance, in the case of Universal Participation..." Hirata gripped the chalk and began writing on the blackboard to make the explanation easier to understand.

He appears to be a man who handles this sort of thing capably. 'Raising Hands' and 'Ability' were written down.

"I have a rough sketch that outlines two potential systems. The first is the 'Raising Hands' system, which allows us to hear your preferred order of participation. The second is the 'Ability' system, which assesses your abilities to improve efficiency. We need to choose one of these options. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. The 'Raising Hands' system ensures everyone gets their desired order of participation and can have fun. However, if there are overlapping preferences, not everyone can have their way, which may result in uneven outcomes."

Hirata finishes his explanation. Even the students who could not understand the verbal description from the blackboard details could slowly comprehend each system's pros and cons.

"No matter how you look at it, we should decide based on ability. You know yourself best, after all," it seemed Sudou had no intention of choosing anything other than that, as he said, "If I win, then the chances of the class winning will also rise. That's a cause for celebration."

The way he put it was a mess, but it is true. Sudou putting his high physical ability to maximum use is an indispensable element in this sports festival.

"Well... it pisses me off, but that may be so."

Towards Sudou's words, which were by no means illogical, the girls whispered in approval.

"Then it's decided, right? I'll be participating in all Recommended Only Participation events. "

Sudo, who fiercely declared, and the students who supported him were covered. The focus was on including unathletic students and prioritizing the class's victory.

"If everyone's fine with that strategy, then as for the Recommended Only Participation events, we could do it this way..."

"Wait, I have a supplementary proposal to make," Horikita decided to join the conversation.

The usual taciturn Horikita said and joined the conversation.

Surprised by the unexpected speaker, many students focused on her.

"If we have to choose between these two strategies, we should go with the 'Ability' system, Sudou-kun said. I have no objections thus far. But with just that, there is no guarantee that we can win against the other classes."

"Of course, that's true."

"It is clear that we should prioritize allowing the most athletic individuals to participate in the Recommended Only Participation events they prefer. Similarly, in Universal Participation events, we should form the best combinations of athletes for victory and compete accordingly. This will enable us to unlock their full potential. Simply put, the faster athletes should partner with the slower ones."

"Hold on a minute. That strategy also means our chances of winning will fall, right?" The first to object was Shinohara, "I can't accept it. Just because you're unathletic, there's no winning if you're forced to compete against someone stronger. Privileges are given down to 3rd place, so I don't want to throw aside that possibility".

"It can't be helped. Because it's for the sake of the class. "

"I know it's for the class... but I don't want to lose my private points."

"If the class wins, there will be a proportionate compensation. Are you dissatisfied with that?".

"You can get many test scores if you win a prize; isn't giving up unfair?"

"I understand your desire to think that way. However, that is also strange. From the start, even without relying on the privilege of those scores, it would be just fine if you studied as usual. Besides, if the possibility remains even down to 3rd place, there'd be no problem even if you don't win the prize. In the first place, the contests aren't so simple that you can win a prize with your level of athleticism, right?".

Both of them were insistent and showed no signs of yielding. In particular, Horikita capitalized on her advantage and stubbornly attacked.

"Not everyone is as intelligent as Horikita-san. Don't lump everyone in the same boat. "

"I don't want you to bring up any excuses here," Horikita said.

The athletic students, led by Sudou, along with those aspiring for Class A and those who face difficulty with sports, favored Horikita's emphasis on efficiency. Shinohara appeared frustrated and seemed to have lost her motivation to compete. However, other students like her may believe they could still secure a spot, at least in the third position.

"Let it be already, Shinohara. If we lose because of you, will you take responsibility for it? Huh?"

"That's..."

"It'll be fine if I leave it up to you and Hirata, right?"

"Ahh---can I have a moment? I object. Like Shinohara said, what's up with getting the rest of the students in trouble? Are you saying that by doing that, you can bring the class together as one?"

I have observed that Karuizawa frequently looks at Ayanokouji, suggesting something may have occurred between them. Manabe alluded to an anonymous messenger, indicating that Ayanokouji may have been involved. Although others may not have noticed, Karuizawa's worried glances towards Ayanokouji betray her concern about the situation.

"To bring together as one means exactly that. Do you understand?"

"Not all. I don't understand. Hey, what do you think, Kushida-san?"

"It's a difficult problem. I was thinking I understand the feelings of both sides. Like Horikita-san, I'd like to win as a class. As Shinohara-san said, I also want to leave behind the possibility of everyone winning too, I guess".

Saying that, she continued to speak.

"If there is an alternative plan, then combining their opinions would be ideal. A way that the person who takes 1st place and the one who places bottom could be convinced of."

As she made her statement, a chorus of agreement erupted from the class. It seemed she had anticipated a similar response, but Horikita interjected immediately.

"I have considered a solution that may be acceptable to both parties. Students who do not require test scores to rank highly could use their accumulated private points to compensate for the points lost by those who rank at the bottom. This would result in the entire class sharing the gains and losses. If implemented, there would be no reason for any complaints.".

"Oh, that'll do fine, right? There'll be no loss no matter how much we cut corners this way," Sudou said and scornfully laughed.

"But that's only for points, right? The possibility of winning the prize goes down. What does everyone think?"

Even in that situation, Karuizawa still voiced her disagreement. Then, he calls out to the girls belonging to the Karuizawa faction.

"If Karuizawa-san objects, then I guess I also object."

One after another, the girls following Karuizawa's lead began to show their opposition.

This is a complete mess.

"Are you all idiots? Objecting just because she objects? Completely illogical. This is an exam, so we should build a strategy based on winning efficiently. The other classes don't have any imbeciles like you".

"That's something Horikita-san doesn't understand, right? Currently, I'm against it. Others are against it, so think about those people, too. I won't accept it unless the competitions are decided impartially".

The influence of Karuizawa, who has united the girls, was strong, and support for the plan that prioritized the class's victory that Horikita advocated ceased to exist.

"Calm down, both of you. If we cannot agree on our opinions, we have no choice but to take a majority vote," Hirata cut into the conversation.

"I think we should resolve this by voting here."

"Now then, the thorough ability-focused plan that Horikita-san wove and the plan that emphasizes the individual that includes Karuizawa-san's opinion. Which one is better, shall we decide it by a show of hands? If some people find it difficult to choose, I also consider accepting a non-vote."

Horikita's plan gives preferential treatment to the capable ones. Karuizawa's plan respects the individual and cares for the whole.

"Then first, those in favor of Horikita-san's plan."

"Yeah. I, of course, agree with Horikita's plan. The reason for it is simple: to win. The more athletic people participate, the more we win. Isn't that just fine?"

Sudou was the first to raise his hand, and students like Yukimura and Sakura followed him. These were students who lacked confidence in their athletic abilities, but they gave their approval nonetheless. However, students like Karuizawa's group, capable to a certain extent but couldn't compete with the more talented students, did not raise their hands.

"16 votes. Thank you, you can lower your hands now".

"Then, next up is the composite plan from Karuizawa-san. Win where we have to, and have fun where we can People in favor of this plan, please raise your hands".

Other than the Karuizawa group, scattered hands began to rise. There were several votes. However, just by Karuizawa having raised her hand, girls followed her example one after another.

"The result of the majority vote is... 16 votes for Horikita-san's plan and 13 for Karuizawa-san's plan. Can I assume the rest are non-voters?"

"This concludes it then, Karuizawa-san. Now then, Hirata-kun, I'll leave the rest up to you".

The recommended role will inevitably fall to athletic guys like Sudou and Hirata.

"Then, regarding the number of participants for the Recommended Only Participation events..."

"I'll be competing in all the contests. If anyone is objecting to that, then I'll have a confrontation with them," Sudou declared.

"I'll also be participating in as many competitions as possible."

Horikita was the one who recommended herself, causing Karuizawa to harden her expression slightly. The girls around them whispered to each other, and Karuizawa wondered if they were trash-talking.

Then, self-declarations and recommendations happened side by side, and the recommended participants were decided one after another. But, not all the competitions were filled up that easily, and only about 1/3rd of the Universal Participation events were filled. As he declared, Sudou will be participating in all competitions, and other than him, in most matches, Horikita and Hirata, Kushida and Onodera, and the other athletic students will be competing. And the rest are still blank.

"Oi, Koenji-kun. Aren't you going to be cooperating?"

Sudou said that while glaring at the man who had not spoken since the discussion began. Sudou acknowledges that this man possesses a potential equal to his, if not greater.

If Kouenji participates seriously, at the very least in individual competitions, the top spot is already promised to him.

"Earlier, you didn't raise your hand either."

"I am not interested. You people can do as you wish," Koenji said.

"Don't fuck around, you bastard."

"I am not fucking around. There's no reason why I'd be forced to by you. In the first place, even if you had the authority to force me, I have no intention of listening to you."

In other words, it means Kouenji has no intention of changing himself no matter what happens.

"I don't think there's any need to decide everything here, Sudou-kun. Koenji-kun, too, must have his strengths and weaknesses, and unreasonably inviting him is not always the right thing to do".

Following up for Koenji and urging Sudou to calm down was Hirata.

"What about you, Kagurazaka-kun?" Sudou asked.

"Put me the events that you think I can handle. I trust your judgment, Sudou-kun."

***********