Chapter 3: Everyone's Thoughts

Starting from the next homeroom, in preparation for the event, it has been decided that we'll be practicing independently. During our free period, each and every student changed into their gym uniforms, that is to say, their jerseys, and headed out towards the school grounds. 

"Uwa, hey look at that".

Ike, with a blatantly uncomfortable look on his face, stares at the school building. And there, from the classrooms, there were students peeking out at us. And not just one but several students could be seen. 

"That there's Class B, right? They're conducting reconnaissance right away---".

To figure out the physical abilities of the other classes prior to the sports festival is something that would be on anyone's checklist. 

"Class A beside them is also looking at us".

Regardless of whether we're enemies or allies, to grasp our capabilities is not a bad thing for them. If we do this somewhere as conspicuous as the school grounds, being watched is also natural. 

However, even if we hold back here so as to not have our abilities be discerned, ultimately it will only mean that the opportunities for us to practice for the actual event will decrease. 

"It's started right off the bat".

Horikita, who finished changing, also seems to have immediately realized the curious stares. But what worries me is Class C. Even though there were signs of people being inside their classroom, not a single person looked towards us. 

It's almost as if they're saying who from Class D participates in what contest is of no concern to them.

"Are you worried about Ryuuen-kun?".

"Well, a bit".

"I really doubt that he didn't think about conducting reconnaissance on us but he's the one who rejected cooperation with Class B after all. He doesn't have any intention of seriously building up a strategy".

Right after she said that, almost as though saying 'I understand', looked at me and continued. 

"Is what I would have thought if I hadn't been warned by you. Surely the other students must be thinking that way".

Horikita further looked towards the students of Class D who were endeavoring to practice. 

"The thing you mentioned earlier, about Ryuuen-kun already having thought of a strategy to win. So this means that has now been realized, right? After all, it means reconnaissance is no longer necessary for him, doesn't it?".

The optimistic expression Horikita had in the gymnasium can already no longer be seen. On the contrary, I could see her being pronouncedly bewildered. 

"Anyone would want information on the other classes. Whose physical abilities are high or who's going to be participating in which contests, they'd be dying to know those. But he's not showing any sign of that".

That's right, that in itself is proof that Ryuuen already has a strategy he's keeping to himself. 

"The important point here is to not be satisfied after only knowing that 'Ryuuen has thought of a strategy'".

"...what do you mean?".

"Normally, when a person comes up with a strategy or a secret measure, they would do their utmost to ensure their enemies don't wise up to it. However, that man isn't even trying to hide that and is boldly not conducting any reconnaissance". 

"He's acting boldly, almost like he's showing off".

Then, if you think about what that would mean, you would be able to simultaneously see his thought patterns as well. 

I wonder how much of that Horikita can see right now. 

"You, that insight or observation of yours, I can't help but ask where you picked it up. But you've forbidden that so I dare not ask though".

What a disagreeable and Horikita-like way of putting it. Of course, no matter how she prods me I won't be saying anything though. 

"Suzune, do you have a moment?".

Sudou, who came late, called out to Horikita, who was deep in thought. Horikita, who cut off her own thoughts, said to Sudou in a slightly irritated manner. It appears there's something else she's bothered by.

"I've been warning you repeatedly but would you mind not calling me by my first name?".

"What's that mean? Do you have a problem with being called like that?".

"A huge one, yes. I don't want a person I'm not close with to call me by my first name".

She took decisive action like that without paying heed to Sudou's feelings. 

"If you insist on continuing to call me like this even after I've directly told you I'm uncomfortable with it, I'll be taking action".

Truly a terrifying expression. If possible, I'd rather not hear the details of what she has to say. 

He must truly want to call her by her first name but he'd lose everything if she comes to hate him. However, I don't know what Sudou thought of it, as he said this. 

"Then, in this sports festival, if I can produce the best results out of Class D.....at that time, please give me permission to officially call you by your first name".

Ohh? For Sudou, that's a rather modest wish he's put into words. 

It's just even so, I don't know whether or not Horikita will honestly acknowledge it. 

"You working hard is a desirable thing but why do I have to respond to that?".

It seems Horikita hadn't thought that she had curried goodwill with Sudou. In response to that, I wonder how Sudou will answer her.

"....not too long after enrollment, you saved me, right? That's why I want to be proper love...no, first I want to be friends with you. This is a step towards that".

"I don't understand. It's not something you'd go out of your way to declare and put into action. But alright. If you produce the best results, then at that time, I will permit you to call me by my first name. However, don't be satisfied with just the class. Show me the best results across the entire school year".

Saying that, Horikita struck Sudou with the highest hurdle. But, in a sense, it may be good material to act as a booster for Sudou. There was no sign of fear on him. 

"Alright. It's a promise, if I become the 1st across the school year then I'll be calling you by your first name".

"However, until you produce results you can't. Also, if you cannot take 1st place amongst the school year then you are forever forbidden from calling me by my first name. You'll do well to prepare yourself for that".

"S-Sure".

Although he had an overwhelmingly difficult task pressed upon him, Sudou vigorously nodded and answered. 

It's just, well, the possibility of it is by no means low. As far as I've seen from students of the other classes, Sudou's potential is unmistakably top class. I can see he'll have no problem with the individual contests. 

The only one who could stand against him, Kouenji, seems to have no motivation so there should be no problem there. All that's left is to see just how many records he can break in contests that require cooperation.