Chapter 119 – Challenging Nagumo 

In reality, the situation wasn't exactly as Yukio described, as if it were just too convenient to step on and he did so subconsciously. It was entirely intentional.

Yukio is certainly not the kind of person who acts carelessly or without thought. To step on Nagumo's head in front of so many people, humiliating him so openly, was undoubtedly a calculated move by Yukio.

The judgment is simple; there exists an irreconcilable conflict between him and Nagumo, centered around the position of Student Council President.

It had been mentioned before when President Horikita approached him, that Nagumo, from the second year, was dangerous, wanting to create a school environment where absolute power is everything, to an extreme and brutal degree.

To achieve this, occupying the position of Student Council President is essential, right?

And what a coincidence? Yukio also has his sights set on the presidency as part of his plan to gather data on the school's rules.

But there's only one president's seat. Around this, it's impossible for them to coexist peacefully; a struggle is inevitable.

With such a premise, Yukio already harbored hostility towards Nagumo. Plus, Nagumo had the audacity to come forward and suggest Yukio should seek his guidance?

Why bother being polite with Nagumo then? Not stepping on him would leave Yukio feeling discontented.

Since it's already expected that Nagumo will cause trouble in the future, why wait for him to make the first move? Taking the initiative and stepping on him first feels much better, doesn't it?

Indeed, stepping on him and then seeing Nagumo infuriated yet too restrained to retaliate proved to be quite satisfying.

"Yukio-kun." Seeing Yukio maintaining a tough stance, Ichinose, somewhat worried, wanted to say something to ease the tension, hoping both sides could have a peaceful conversation and avoid further conflict: "Just, wait a moment."

"And Nagumo-senpai, please, calm down. There must be some misunderstanding. If everyone communicates peacefully and with understanding, things can surely be cleared up."

"Eh." At this moment, Ishizaki stepped forward to stop Ichinose: "You don't understand, that's just how Yukio-san is. If you provoke him, he won't hold back."

Yukio turned and gave Ishizaki a look, clearly exasperated with him.

Ryuen touched his forehead, speechless. He then kicked Ishizaki's heel as a reminder to keep quiet!

"Ouch!"

Just as Yukio called it "a too convenient misunderstanding," Ishizaki inadvertently contradicted his own leader by suggesting it was deliberate, not an accidental slip.

Ishizaki, confused about what had happened, only noticed Yukio's cautionary look and Ryuen's insistent kicks to his heel, realizing he might have misspoken, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously.

Swallowing hard, he timidly retreated to Ryuen's side, whispering as quietly as he could, "Ryuen-san, did I say something wrong?"

He just didn't want Ichinose to cause more trouble for their leader.

Little did he know that his interception would turn out to be a mistake, reminding him of the time he encountered Shiina in Yukio's dorm and was then tasked by Yukio to run back and forth for 20 minutes to buy coffee.

The cold sweat broke out instantly.

Ryuen couldn't be bothered with him anymore. On the other side, Nagumo, as if he had obtained some evidence, looked even more triumphant, his gaze piercing towards Yukio: "Yukio, what do you have to say now?"

"I have nothing much to say." Yukio remained composed, as if nothing had happened. Ishizaki was one of their own, and Yukio, protective as he was, wouldn't punish his own people in front of others: "It was just a misunderstanding."

"If you're to blame anyone, blame yourself. Why would you stick your head out for me to step on?"

"You!" Nagumo was nearly speechless with rage, as if anger was choking him. After struggling to regain his composure, he managed: "Don't play dumb! What did that junior just say, are you going to pretend you didn't hear it?!"

"Oh?" Yukio, with a mocking smile, called back, "Come here, Ishizaki, did you say something just now?

"Nothing, nothing at all!" Ishizaki quickly realized this was his chance to make amends, his voice unusually loud: "I didn't say anything!"

Giving Ishizaki an approving look, Yukio then turned his attention back to Nagumo: "Since it was a misunderstanding, and it's been clarified, I won't disturb you, in your peculiar hobby of seeking people to step on you by the pool."

With that, he prepared to leave, leaving Nagumo behind, the subject of much gossip and immense embarrassment. At that moment, Nagumo was nearly bursting with fury.

What did he mean by seeking people to step on him by the pool? What peculiar hobby? Was this how Yukio humiliated people? From the moment Yukio spoke, why did every word seem so irritating?

And to think he'd just walk away after maddening him.

Could Nagumo really let Yukio leave just like that? If he allowed Yukio to walk away, would he have any reputation left?

"Yukio! Think carefully! The sports festival! Do you really not care?"

At this moment, Ichinose anxiously communicated with Yukio through her expressive eyes, her lively almond eyes darting around, making one wonder if she was trying to charm Yukio.

Yukio first reassured her with a "be at ease" look, then waved his hand dismissively at Nagumo and confidently walked away: "Then it's settled. Nagumo, your class is definitely going to be last in the sports festival."

"?" Nagumo's brain couldn't keep up at first, but then it hit him. Was Yukio directly challenging him at the sports festival? Daring to clash head-on? Him! A first-year student, how dare he?

Just one term into school, and before summer vacation was even over, he was already planning to oppose him – a senior with a year and a half of experience and an advantage in points?!

Even going so far as to claim he'd make Nagumo's class finish last? He's from Class A of the second year! Such impudence!

'Well then, this sports festival, I must show you!'

As Nagumo plotted his revenge, the knowing second-year onlookers had already quietly dispersed, not daring to stay any longer. They lacked the courage to continue watching after Yukio stepped on Nagumo, fearing they'd get dragged into Nagumo's embarrassment.

But the third-year and first-year students were just there for the show, eagerly adding fuel to the fire: "Eh? This is the leader of Class A of the second year? That's it? Really?"

"Exactly, he's nothing compared to our first-year, Yukio-san!"

"You don't understand. Nagumo was also very impressive in his first year, leading his class in a comeback against the A class of his grade. It's just that this year, your first year has someone even more outstanding."

Splash!

As the surrounding whispers grew louder, some of the bolder comments reached Nagumo's ears, and he couldn't hold back his rage any longer, furiously punching the water and causing a small splash.

The splashing water droplets even hit Nagumo's hair and face, making him appear especially disheveled and pitiful at that moment.

***

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