Chapter 30: Peaceful Daily Life But This is a Test

The first-year students confirmed the completion of forming groups, and the overwhelming student council president, Nagumo, arrived.

"I thought it would take a little longer, but it was surprisingly quick. Well then, how about creating a large group from now on?"

The decision is scheduled for 8:00 PM, but that seems to be a consideration from the school in case the small group formation takes longer. The process of forming large groups is like a draft system where first-year students choose upperclassmen. Starting with a rock-paper-scissors game, they pick members from the team that wins, and Horikita Senpai's team is chosen. Next, Hirata and Kaneda's turn comes, but Nagumo's team is not selected.

While thinking about this, Kiyotaka and Keisei, who belong to a group, choose President Nagumo's group. The group selection proceeds smoothly, and eventually, six large groups are formed.

"Horikita Senpai, since we coincidentally ended up in different large groups, how about a match?"

Just then, President Nagumo brings up such a proposal. Horikita Senpai looks sharp, and a sigh mixed with astonishment escapes from most of the third-year students.

"Nagumo, how many times has it been now? Cut it out already."

The one who speaks is Fujimaki-Senpai, who took command of the Red Team during the sports festival. I remember he was No. 2 in class 3-A.

"Why is that? Whether someone declares war on someone else or not, isn't it a ridiculous conversation?"

"We're talking about basic morals here. Even if it's not prohibited, there are things that are right and wrong, of course."

"I don't think so. Rather, seniors who desire conflicts among the same grade are the ones hindering the growth of current students, aren't they?"

"Just because you became the student council president doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Be aware that you're overstepping."

"Then make me aware of it. How about challenging Fujimaki-Senpai as well? He's the No. 2 in class 3-A, right?"

Nagumo, despite the imposing presence of the large-built Fujiwara Senpai, provokes without hesitation. Even though it's a cheap provocation, it must be humiliating for the third-year students. While thinking about this, Horikita Senpai steps forward.

"I've been rejecting your requests so far. Do you understand why?"

"Well, my friends say it's because they're afraid of losing to me, but that's not it, right? Horikita Senpai is the most outstanding person I've ever seen. He doesn't fear losing, and he doesn't even think about losing in the first place. Well, maybe he just doesn't like pointless conflicts?"

The desire does not cease, and Nagumo's demands persist. Horikita-senpai asks what he's wagering on, and the other third-year students show surprised expressions. They probably thought a challenge was coming.

"Which group can achieve a higher average score, simple and clear, right?"

"I see. I don't mind accepting that."

Well, at least they're not on the same team. Let's try not to get involved further.

Heading towards the room where they'll stay overnight, there are beds in a space of about 20 tatami mats. Some of them are bunk beds. The room is spacious, but it feels a bit old, but there's nothing to be done about it.

"What about the bed arrangement? If you have preferences, let me know."

Shibata asks, showing leadership qualities. Although I usually thought he was clumsy, at times like this, he seems reliable. 

"I'm fine anywhere."

"I'm okay with any leftover spot."

"Then I'll sleep on the one over there."

Saying that, the members gladly agreed. Oh, did I luck out with a good team? Things proceed smoothly, and they place their belongings around the designated beds.

Until lunchtime, Shibata speaks up.

"We have time, so let's introduce ourselves. I'm Shibata Hayate, the leader of this group. Nice to meet you!"

"...I'm Kito Hayabusa. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Kanago Komiya. Nice to meet you."

And so, introductions proceed smoothly. I also introduce myself to keep up.

"I'm Horagasaki Jin. Nice to meet you."

Casually throwing up a peace sign, I say that, and everyone glances at me and grins.

"That guy who got confessed to by Kamuro during the sports festival, right?"

"Good-looking, no wonder."

"Our Shii-chan also talks about you all the time!"

"Come to think of it, lately Ichinose also talks a lot about Horagasaki!"

"I heard there was someone who saw Horagasaki and a second-year student returning together!"

"Horagasaki is quite popular!"

I never expected to become this famous. Well, I guess I've been involved with everyone I've mentioned. Sorry to the male students, I apologize for crushing your dreams. Nevertheless, it's a more favorable impression than I thought. No one is openly hostile, so it should be easy going without any conflicts. Just then, Beppu-kun approaches me.

"By the way, have you and Kamuro-chan already... you know?"

"Hey, I want to hear too, Horagasaki! Have you done it already!?"

Shibata and Beppu from the B-class alliance corner me. Hey, cut it out! Somehow, I decide to change the topic.

"Well, well, anyway, what about you, Shibata? How is it with the girl you like?"

"Oh, listen to me too, Horagasaki! you're not a virgin, are you?"

Shibata, it looks like I've been cornered by two B-class allies from Beppu.

Go home!

"Well...I won't say who I did it with, but I'm sure I'm not a virgin."

"Oooooooo! ! "

There's a lot of excitement, and even Komiya and Kondo from D class are getting excited. I'm also curious about Kito.

"I knew it! There's a rumor among the girls in my class that if you get close to Horagasaki, you'll get pregnant, right?"

"Huhh!?.... Are you serious??"

"This guy is amazing!"

The A, B, and D class federation should stop spreading false rumors, it's serious.

"I don't want to...I can't help it. It's harsh to say you're coming, but you're coming, aren't you?"

When I said that, all the boys in the room said, "Yeah, yeah."

"I don't think you guys understand, but oh, I'm sorry."

As the undesirable character, I deliberately pose with one hand saying Sorry, I'm sorry while grinning. 

I guess I got too carried away.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, please tell me, big brother~"

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooo I want hold a woman too!"

The A, B, and D class alliance is a disgusting character who begs me. Hey, stop that character, and Shibata was in a lot of pain here.

"Well, well, I wonder if Shibata likes a girl like that."

"I don't think there's anyone I'm that interested in. How's everyone doing?"

Shibata asks questions of other classes, Komiya seems to be interested in Shinohara who is in the same class as me, and Okiya seems to be interested in Kushida.

...…

On the first day, that is, the first opportunity to interact with girls since getting off the bus, arrived.

I was invited by Shibata and headed to the cafeteria. This spacious cafeteria seemed to accommodate 500 people and was quite crowded. When we sat at a nearby table with Shibata, he pointed with a grin.

"Look, Horagasaki. Isn't that Kamuro-chan over there?"

Saying that, Shibata slapped my back vigorously, and since his face annoyed me, I lightly pulled on Shibata's cheek.

"Idiot, with that pinecone-like head of yours."

"Don't say that! With this, you can now fully vent during the training camp. I'm thinking of your sweet and ordinary daily life."

"Hey, shut up."

"...Yes."

People around us are watching our exchange with smiles. Whether they noticed us or not, Kamuro waves from a distance, looking at us and then looking away. Huh, is she really that kind of character? She's super cute, though.

"Well, let's go!"

As if telling me, Shibata pushes me from behind. In response, Kamuro also comes towards us.

"Uh,Horagasaki... it's been a while."

"Yeah, really... right?"

"Hehe, why are you so confused?"

Nearby Shibata and the girls around Kamuro were watching with grins. Particularly, I felt like punching Shibata's face.

I wanted to ask one thing, so I asked about the girls' group.

"Kamuro, is there anyone in the same group with you?"

"Sakayanagi, probably. And that... girl."

"Matsushita?"

"Yeah, yeah, how about you?"

It seems Matsushita is also included, which is good. Anyway, girls' groupings are scary, and I answered because Kamuro asked who I'm with.

"I'm with Kito and..."

"Hmm, any connection?"

"No, not really, and that one."

Saying that, I point my thumb at Shibata with a grin, and Kamuro smiles wryly, saying, "Oh..."

As the limited time for the meal approaches, I finish talking with Kamuro and return to my seat next to Shibata.

As time passes, at night, it's bedtime, and among the guys, there's talk about love or rather, explicit conversations. No, it's not like we're girls.

"Horagasaki!"

"What?"

"You're popular, aren't you? Have you ever cheated or something?"

Shibata asks while lying on the upper bunk next to me. Since we're both lying on our backs, not looking at each other, the conversation continues in this manner.

"I have done it before."

"Eh, really?"

"You knew, right?"

"Yes, I knew. But hey, Horagasaki, tell me more about your relationship with Kamuro-chan!"

"... I'm seriously going to sleep. Good night."

Elegantly ignoring Shibata's question, I go to sleep. Shibata shouts and shakes me since I'm asleep on the upper bunk. It becomes quite annoying, so I hit Shibata with my pillow five or six times.

"Ouch, that hurts! Sorry, Horagasaki... By the way, are you trying to throw pillows? Alright, let's do it, everyone!"

I'm surprised by his positive statement. In the end, we ended up throwing pillows, and we properly went to sleep around 12:30.

...

Waking up, it's a little past 6 in the morning. A lively BGM echoes in the room, which is still dark, and the sunrise is not visible. I, who was reluctant to get up, was awakened by Komiya from Class D.

"Hey, Horagasaki! Wake up!"

"Huh?"

"Ugh... W-what's up? Shibata told me to wake you up, so I did..."

I apologize for being woken up. Fully awake now, I express my gratitude to Komiya. But unexpectedly, Shibata seems quite responsible.

"Oh, thanks, Komiya. Good morning."

"Yeah, good... but you're really grumpy in the morning."

"...Sorry, pal."

After saying that, everyone goes outside for roll call. Already, there are second and third-year students lined up there.

"I'm Iwata, the homeroom teacher for Class C in the third year. From now on, we will take roll call, and after that, each group will be assigned an area for cleaning. This is a daily routine, and even if it rains, the cleaning of the school building will still be done. Also, starting from today's classes, external instructors will be present, so be sure to treat them politely."

After this brief explanation, we headed to the cleaning tasks.

The scent of grass tickles my nostrils from the tatami mats laid out. The area guided by the teacher is a space resembling a dojo, where tasks will be performed jointly with another group.

"From today, we will practice zazen here in the morning and evening."

Looking at another group doing it together, there's Ryuen leading the group.

"Good morning, Akito. How's your group?"

"Not bad. Ryuen is quiet too. How about yours?"

"Pretty peaceful."

"Is that so?"

Our group is relatively calm, but there are still many students who seem intimidated by Ryuen's presence. Since not all students have gathered, I speak to Ryuen.

"You're doing fine on your own. Looks like you've lost some of your underlings; you seem lonely."

With a light provocation, Ryuen responds with a mocking tone.

"I have to look at your face from the morning. What a lousy day."

"Dragon, going on a solo trip. Just kidding."

"Huh? I'll kill you."

"It's just a little banter, what's with the irritation? Are you hungry?"

"Hehe, a guy with a bad personality. Next time, I'll watch you kneel... huh, here they come."

While they exchange words, a teacher approaches, so we turn our attention to him.

"Zazen is just one form of meditation. Instead of emptying your mind, you should visualize. Sit cross-legged with each foot on the thighs. This full lotus position may also affect your performance in this test, so try to master it as much as possible."

For those who can't do it, there's also the half lotus position with one foot raised. Well, I think I'll be fine since I could cross both legs without any issues. For some reason, when I glance at Ryuen, he seems surprisingly serious, and I almost burst into laughter. Shibata notices that I'm laughing and looks at me with a puzzled expression. I point my thumb at Ryuen, and Shibata also laughs.

Ryuen, noticing our gaze, scowls and says, "What are you looking at? What's so funny?"

"Well, it's just surreal to see you, the great Ryuen, meditating seriously with closed eyes. Isn't it?"

"Hahaha, Ryuen doesn't suit it."

"Tsk, I'm going to kill you."

After listening to the explanation, the zazen class was over in five minutes, probably because it was the first time.

After zazen and cleaning, it was time for breakfast at 7am. Instead of yesterday's large cafeteria, you will be guided outside, where there will be a spacious space and even multiple cooking areas.

As of today, the school will provide food for you, but if it is sunny tomorrow, you will be able to prepare it within your group. It turns out. I decided to do this under the direction that the number of people and how to divide the work would be discussed and decided as a whole.

The first day is for first-year students, the second day is for second-year students, and the third day is for third-year students, and so on. It was a question of whether or not we could cook for ourselves, and we split at 6:4 as me, Shibata, Kito, Komiya, Satonaka, and Beppu could cook for ourselves, and Kondo, Watanabe, Okiya, and Machida couldn't. There's nothing we can do about what we can't do, so we decided to do it with those who can.

Since six of us were stuck in one kitchen, we decided to use two kitchens and split up 3:3, and the team of me, Shibata, and Beppu and the team of Kito, Komiya, and Satonaka split up and started cooking.

"Tingling, tingling, tingling, tingling, Shibata-kun's 3-minute cooking has begun."

"So today, with the help of critic Mr. Horagasaki, Mr. Shibata's 3-minute cooking has begun.''

"First of all, it's impossible to make it in 3 minutes."

end. Kito and others are doing things silently, aren't they?

"Hey, stop it, Horagasaki! You're ruining the atmosphere!"

"Dream crusher, Horagasaki!"

I did a 3-minute cooking session with the B-class coalition, including Shibata and Beppu, but it took less than 3 minutes and was completed in 30 seconds. As a result, Shibata is disappointed.

Then Kito, who was standing in the kitchen next door, spoke to me for the first time.

"...Can you do anything?"

"I'm not perfect like that, you know."

"...I see."

Apparently, he thought I was some kind of perfect guy who could do anything. It's nice to be thought of that way, but there are things I can't do, you know!

"You can do most things, though."

"...I doubt that."

It seems Kito's specs are unexpectedly high. At this stage, it's hard to say, but if we end up fighting after this training camp, I'll have to be cautious.

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