Classroom of the Elite

At last this day is finally here. The dawn of the sports festival which is shaping up to be a long day. Wearing jerseys, the entire student body marched in as one just as rehearsed.

But even if it's called a march, most of the students were just walking normally. They only showed enough seriousness to not disrupt discipline.

"I'll show off my good side to Kikyo-chan!".

Ike, who was walking behind me, excitedly voiced his expectations. I wonder how he's intending on showing off when he's one of those people who are not especially good at sports. I could see that it was almost unmistakably a fruitless effort without any secret strategy behind it.

In the opening ceremony, 3rd year Class A's Fujimaki was the one who gave the opening declaration. By the way, on the outskirts of the school grounds, there weren't many but I could see the figures of spectators scattered here and there. They are probably adults who work on-campus. In regards to them, it doesn't seem like the school has set any restrictions. Occasionally, I could see smiles and hands waving.

On the other hand, the teachers were watching over the students with nary a smile on their faces while adults who appear to be medical staff could also be seen.

Furthermore, a cottage that could fit roughly 20 people was built and installed inside was a cooler, a water dispenser and the such. Just like the uninhabited island, the preparations were flawless. By the way, the competing Red Team and White Team were provided with tents installed on opposite sides of the track as though sandwiching it between them.

As such, it has been made so that there could be no possible contact other than during the contests.

"But even so they're very thoroughly prepared. Ultimately, even cameras meant to help with judgement calls have been set up".

For the 100 meter dash that'll be coming up first, a camera was pointed towards a point that appears to be the goal.

"So that means misjudgements and ambiguous results will definitely be avoided".

It appears even if it's by an hairbreadth, they intend on deciding victory and defeat like it's a horserace. That is precisely why contests that are difficult to score like cheerleading and the such are not included in this sports festival.

1

"The 100 meter dash, which group were you in again?".

"The seventh group".

I answered while looking at the simplistic programme table (the paper on which the order and time of the contests are written).

"It'll be for the better if a formidable opponent does not show up. For the sake of the class, I'll slightly be cheering you on".

"I'll try my best to not place bottom".

After voicing my unambitious goal, we 1st year boys headed out to the grounds for the contest.

Contests such as the 100 meter dash are all held in order starting from the 1st years. Starting from the 1st year boys and ending with the 3rd year girls is the entirety of the event. Then with the break sandwiched in between, it'll switch over and start again with the 1st year girls and end with the 3rd year boys. The contest was about to begin using the printouts each class had submitted beforehand as a basis to decide the pairings.

Since the actual day of the event began, it became clear who would be running in which order from the other classes.

From each class, the selected two making up a total of eight people lined up as one. My turn, as I had told Horikita earlier, was seventh. In total, the 1st year boys formed up into 10 groups.

It was now Sudou's turn, as he would be running in the first group. All the students of Class D watched while holding our breath. The outcome of the sports festival will depend greatly on Sudou. First of all this first event, we'll use Sudou's debut in the race to crush the opponents. The plan is to get everyone pumped up with that same vigor. If Sudou finishes with disappointing results here, there is the possibility that it will have lasting effects.

"From what I can see it doesn't seem like there's anyone worth their salt here. There are many fatties and garish guys here. It's guaranteed Sudou'll place 1st".

I couldn't see any notable students in our school year from the other classes. Like Ike said, it's probably guaranteed already.

"On the contrary, depending on how you look at it, it could also be seen as a loss".

Ideally speaking, for someone with physical abilities like Sudou's, it would have been better if someone fast had been competing.

"But this alone is something that can't be helped, it's up to luck after all".

There was something about the figure of Sudou, in a crouching stance at the starting line, that inspires absolute confidence. Even if he happened to tumble mid-race he could still turn it all around, he gave off the feeling of having such a composure to his surroundings.

Then, as the signal rang out, Sudou rose up perfectly simultaneously and shot forth. Sudou, who had passed a person from the very start, outraced all the other boys as though shaking them off and left them in the dust.

He reached the goal with an overwhelming gap with no one being able to keep up with him. There's nothing more to say about that. As the entire student body watched, as the first runner in the first contest, Sudou seized 1st place as expected.

At the same time, the Professor who had been selected too, properly managed to secure last place as expected but......

Not even giving us time to bask in the afterglow, the signal for the next group to start came. The signals came at 20 second intervals. Approximately 4 minutes would be required for all the 1st year boys to finish running. Since this will be repeated by boys and girls for all the school years, the 100 meter dash would be completed in about 30 minutes according to calculations.

"As expected of Sudou-kun I guess".

Hirata, who's paired up with me, praised him as though he were impressed.

"Yeah. It feels like the other classes have been taken aback too".

He didn't simply take 1st place but also unmistakably left a strong impact. We, the seventh group up, like Sudou and the Professor, also have our roles properly cut out for us.

Hirata, who belongs to the soccer club and is a fast runner, will have a high rank. And as for me, I'd take a rank that's higher even if it's just by one, in other words, it can't be helped even if I lose. Then also there's the matter of standing out and remaining inconspicuous. There are several students from other classes we should be keeping an eye on but amongst the ones I know, those who give off a strong presence like Ryuuen and Katsuragi and the athletic ones like Kanzaki and Shibata, I wonder what group they're in.

The third group shuffled up to the starting point.

"Ohh, baldie....no, I mean Katsuragi is on the first course".

Ike points at his head. The skinhead bathing in the rays of the sun glowed blindingly. Beside Katsuragi, a man I'm familiar with was staring at the goal point with a calm expression.

He's Kanzaki of Class B. So Katsuragi and Kanzaki will be competing against each other, huh?

Meanwhile, the man who's first on the list of those to watch out for, Kouenji of Class D, is also part of the third group but.....

There's no sign of Kouenji on the fifth course he had been assigned to. However, the school did not bother searching for the missing Kouenji and instead treating it as absence, they ended up starting the match right away.

The third group was a free-for-all but it appears as far as speed goes, Kanzaki surpassed them all.

Katsuragi too was by no means slow but it was simply beyond him, and without much fuss, the race ended. Kanzaki took 1st place and Katsuragi took 3rd place. As the race steadily progressed, Hirata realized something.

"Ayanokouji-kun, look there".

What Hirata had noticed was in the direction of the cottage. As I strained my eyes to look, inside it I could see Kouenji who was arranging his hair. He's already finished running, surely that's not the case. But even so, he's way too quick to withdraw.

"He's not participating, it seems".

Up until the opening ceremony he had been honestly obedient or so it seemed but ultimately, it appears he won't be participating in the contests.

Kouenji will probably make the excuse that his feet hurt or that he's not feeling well to wriggle his way out of it.

Since the thought that he would place bottom if he skipped out on all the contests did not even enter his mind, the liability he'd be lies heavy on the class as well as the Red Team.

Class A too, despite having a legitimate reason, also similarly has someone who will be skipping out on all events in the form of Sakayanagi. Assuming Class C and Class B has no absentees then the Red Team will simply have to fill in the hole left by those two people. Quite a handicap.

The contest progresses smoothly.

One after another the groups get finished up and in no time, our turn as the seventh group came. I entered the fourth course and beside me, Hirata entered the fifth course.

Other than us, the other members included Class A's Yahiko but the rest are boys I'm not familiar with. The first ever sports festival of my life. I started off with a starting dash that was neither fast nor slow. Hirata, who ran beside me, slowly but surely passed me by and joined up with the top runners. On the other hand, in front of me were the backs of four people, hence I took 5th place.

Perhaps it's because there wasn't that overwhelming of a gap between speeds, we all ran in a crowded state. Then, without changing up the order, I finished in 5th place. As for Hirata, by a narrow margin, he shone in 1st place.

"Fuu. Good job".

Hirata, who had reached the goal before anyone else, lightly sighed and gave me such words of appreciation.

"Sorry, for being a burden".

"No such thing. It was a good match, everyone was fast too".

Hirata did not blame me, even after my disappointing results, and greeted me with a smile. I hurriedly got off the track and returned to the tent. Because the next group up will be starting one after another and I'll only be getting in the way.

The 1st year boys, after having finished with their 100 meter dash, returned to their seats and focused on the girls' race as though devouring them.

There's also the outcome of the matches, but they probably just wanted to see the running figures of the girls and couldn't help it.

"Where's Sudou?".

I couldn't see Sudou, who should have returned to his seat.

"I don't know. Toilet probably, right? More importantly, let's see those swaying breasts, you know, the breasts".

Ike was upbeat, but I immediately had a bad feeling about Sudou's absence. He seems like the type to cheer Horikita on here, but that I cannot see him is strange.

"...it can't be".

I looked towards the cottage.

As though my premonition had been realized, I saw Sudou drawing closer to Kouenji.

"This isn't looking good. I'd better stop them".

"Right".

Hirata, who noticed that too almost simultaneously, panicked too and headed towards the cottage. It appears things have already heated up there and Sudou, gripping his fist tight, confronted Kouenji.

"You bastard, being absent and all, don't fuck around with me!".

As I opened the door, I could hear Sudou's intimidating voice from inside.

Sudou had closed the distance to the point where even now, it seemed as though he was about to take a swing, but it almost seems as though Kouenji has not even noticed his existence yet.

He's looking bold as he admired his reflection in the glass of the window. But that attitude of his only ended up adding fuel to the fire and stoking Sudou's anger.

"Looks like you won't understand unless I beat you up, Kouenji".

"That's no good, Sudou-kun. If the teachers found out---".

Hirata, of course, stops him but he's not the kind of man to be deterred by something like this.

"Shut up. This problem is our class's internal affair, right? Doesn't matter even if I beat him up. It's only if this guy doesn't go crying to the teachers about it though".

"As usual, you are an unsavory man. I came here because I wanted to quietly spend time alone though. As you can see, today I'm feeling ill. I declined so I wouldn't be a bother".

"Don't lie to me! Leaving aside practice, you're skipping out even on the actual event!".

It's understandable to want to shout out like that. No matter how you look at it, Kouenji's the picture of health itself.

"No, Sudou-kun!".

Before Hirata, who was at a distance, could panickedly draw near, Sudou could no longer stand it and raised his fist. He probably intended on punching Kouenji once to open his eyes. However, the man who was beyond expectations and normal standards, Kouenji, caught the powerful punch in the palm of his hand.

'Pan'. And a dry sound like that reverberated within the cottage. Kouenji starts talking without looking at Sudou's face.

"Stop it. Someone like you cannot beat me".

It didn't seem as though Sudou had been holding back on a fellow classmate. It was a fist swung with all his might.

And it had been blocked all too easily. Sudou probably felt Kouenji's high potential anew. But rather than be frightened by it, Sudou appears to have gotten serious.

"Then bring it on. I'll break that pride of yours".

"Good grief. Both you and her, it sounds like you both want to tell me I'm unreliable".

"Her? Who're you talking about?".

"That Cool Girl that you're so passionate about. She's been emphasizing it quite a bit until today, to make sure I participate seriously in the sports festival".

"Horikita, you mean.....?".

Apparently, Horikita had foreseen the possibility of Kouenji being a no-show from the start. Well, I suppose it's natural to have misgivings about him seeing how he retired straight away back on the uninhabited island.

Even so, I didn't know she had been working on Kouenji behind my back.

"In any case, leave. I am not feeling well".

"You bastard---!".

To prevent it from happening again, Hirata got in between Sudou and Kouenji and tried to arbitrate.

"I think it's better to calm down a bit. Kouenji-kun's attitude is also a problem but since he's saying he's not feeling well, he should have the right to rest. Besides, no matter who it may be against, violence is bad".

"That's definitely a lie. He said the same thing back on the uninhabited island, didn't he?".

"A baseless accusation. It's just that my bad health doesn't show up well in my attitude".

"You planning on skipping the rest of the contests? Huh?".

"Of course, I will participate if I make a recovery. If I make a recovery, that is".

Sudou could no longer hold in his anger but it's also a fact that he cannot afford to be hung up on Kouenji forever.

"The next contest is going to be starting soon, Sudou-kun. If you're absent as our leader, it'll affect our morale too".

Hirata switched over to a different approach to convince Sudou.

".....I get it. I just have to go back right? Go back".

As if accompanying him, Hirata left the cottage together with Sudou. I also followed soon afterwards. Grumpily returning to Class D's tent, Sudou sat down on a pipe chair.

"Shit! Next time I'll seriously send that bastard flying! Shit!".

His anger, rather than abate, only welled up and scattered out". A wise man keeps away from danger, and people back away from Sudou one after another. Sudou unleashed his wrath on anyone approaching him by snapping at them.

But Ike, who was engrossed in the girls' race, did not notice Sudou's anger and cheerfully approached him. When I realized it, it seems the girls' 100 meter dash has also reached its climax, as the last group had just entered the course.

"What have you been doing, Ken? You just came back? Your favorite girl's match is about to start".

He slapped Sudou on his back. In that instant, his hand was grabbed and he himself was caught in a forceful headlock.

"Gyaa! What the hell!".

"Stress relief".

"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! I give up, I give up!".

I have nothing to say about this except that it's misfortunate and pitiful. Anyways, after having attacked Ike in anger and as Horikita's race approached, it seems Sudou's regained a bit of calm.

Horikita enters the course as the last round of the 1st year girls was at hand.

"At least there's healing in watching Suzune I guess.....".

If he can be healed by watching that, then by all means I'll have him heal up.

As I watched Sudou in turn, Sakura breathlessly came back to my side.

"Haa, haa......p-painful.....".

She must have been running at her best as she's repeatedly breathing in and out seemingly in extreme pain.

"W-Were you watching me, Ayanokouji-kun?".

She looked up at me with sparkling eyes from behind her glasses. Unfortunately, Sakura's contest had ended while I had been chasing Sudou into the cottage and so I don't know how it went. But if I tell her I hadn't been watching then Sakura will probably become severely depressed.

"You did well".

I said so briefly yet I put my feelings into those words. One thing certain from the facts I understand right now is that Sakura gave it her all in the race.

"T-Thank you! This is the first time I wasn't in last place".

She said so with a smile. Sakura had decisively been the slowest one in both classes and in practice but apparently it seems like she's beaten someone. Furthermore, judging from the looks of it, it doesn't seem like her opponent simply fell or something either.

"Be careful not to push yourself. If you get in over your head, you might fall and hurt yourself".

"O-Ok!".

Smiling again while breathing heavily, Sakura looked out at the next girls race from beside me. I also focused on the other girls who would be running against Horikita.

On the third course was Ibuki Mio, a student from Class C.

For Horikita to be in the same group as Ibuki, who views her as a rival. What a strange coincidence. Horikita did not even look at her but it seems a spark's already been lit in Ibuki.

Even from afar, I could see her resolve to not lose against Horikita no matter what.

"I wonder if Ibuki-chan's good at sports?".

"Hell if I know. There's no mistaking though that Horikita's going to be the winner".

There's no way the other boys could have known but Ibuki is highly athletic. I only have the bare minimum knowledge but I cannot say with certainty who's going to win between them.

At the same time as the starting signal, seven girls shot forth. Between the two I had been paying attention to, the one who had the better start was Ibuki. There had been a slight delay in Horikita's reaction and she lagged behind.

But she immediately accelerates, and with a beautiful form she catches up to Ibuki. On the other hand, Ibuki had succeeded in gaining a headstart but perhaps she got curious about Horikita, who ran beside her, as she became distracted looking back. Due to that, their distance lessened and perfectly seizing the middle position and without being shaken off or leaving, she kept that position and continued.

Then, nearing endgame, I could see Ibuki's expression stiffening. As they lined up side-by-side, almost indistinctly Horikita took the lead. It was by a narrow margin, but giving off a feeling of self-confidence, Horikita ended up taking 1st place.

"Is this bad.....?".

That whispered premonition of Sudou's turned out to have hit the mark. It was truly bit by bit, but the distance between Horikita, who had the lead, and Ibuki, slowly decreased.

In response to Horikita, who tried to shake her off, Ibuki drew ever closer.

The one who cut through the goal tape first was Horikita.

After the big match that no one would've considered strange even if it required a video to make the call, the audience went into a slight uproar.

Beside Horikita, who was catching her breath, Ibuki kicked the ground in frustration. But I feel like if she hadn't been so worried about Horikita, then then ranking may have been different.

A slight gap in her awareness was the cause of victory.

"But even so, it was a match the two of them dominated".

Sudou, who was watching Horikita after she had finished running, also felt the same way. Leaving aside her evenly matched race against Ibuki, the other 4 girls excluding Class D honestly were of a pretty low level.

After the completion of the 100 meter dash for the 1st years, we report our results to each other.

The ones who boasted high athletic abilities like Sudou or Horikita as well as Hirata, managed to secure 1st place. However, on the other hand, I could see that the main body of the class that were expected to win had ranked badly and had an unsatisfying start.

"Keep it together, you lot. Especially you, the only pride of yours is your speed right?".

"E-Even if you say that, that Shibata guy's really good".

"It can't be helped. Because Shibata-kun's faster than me".

As a matter of fact, during club practice, there were several instances in which he seemed faster than even Hirata after all.

Despite our good start, from now on the calculations will become more and more complicated. There are no notebooks nor phones here. Even if we verbally convey the results of the contests to a certain extent, it'll be difficult to grasp all of it. We don't know the circumstances of the other classes in detail either.

I approached Horikita, who had returned, and called out to her.

"That was close".

"...that's right. I was surprised. Ibuki-san was faster than I had expected".

Perhaps she noticed Ibuki approaching, Horikita breathed a sigh of relief.

"I understand you've been reaching out to Kouenji".

"Who told you......? It seems to have been meaningless from the start though".

For just a brief moment, Horikita looked at Kouenji, who's elegantly spending time inside the cottage.

"I had misgivings about him skipping out but ultimately it ended up that way".

"In a certain sense, more than anyone else, he's the one most disinterested in Class A".

As long as he isn't expelled, he will enjoy the rest of his time here. As long as he's decided on that, there's no moving him to action.

But it seems a feeling of being unconvinced had started to sprout inside of Horikita.

"If I were like Kushida-san, a person well liked by the class, I wonder if I could've moved him into action?".

"I wonder. I don't think he's the type to comply with Kushida or Hirata's persuasion though".

Then again, the two of them wouldn't try to forcibly persuade Kouenji in the first place. As for why, even if it's only self-proclaimed, they wouldn't call someone who claims to be sick a liar.

"To think you'd say something like 'if I were like Kushida'".

"I never hated her or anything in the first place".

After a natural conversation like that, Horikita realized she had made a verbal slip and sealed her lips tight.

"Pretend you didn't hear that just now".

Saying that, she ended the conversation. Then she turned to look at the 3rd year contests that will be starting soon.

For her, Class D is something to worry about but in the same vein, the existence of her brother is also probably a similar worry. Of course, it's not like her brother, who's the student council president, is affected in any way by his sister's feelings.

Horikita's brother, who started as part of the second group, naturally took 1st place.

"He's as fast as I imagined him to be".

"It's because nii-san is perfect. No matter what he does, he's always number one".

Rather than a boast, it sounded more like it was a matter of fact. As all the school years finished with their 100 meter dashes, the total count began.

Before the next contest begins, the first points for the Red Team and the White Team will be announced.

Red Team: 2011 points. White Team: 1891 points.

The contests have just begun but the Red Team was slightly dominant.

2

The second contest up is a hurdle. It's basically an event that's the same as the 100 meter dash in the sense that it rests purely on one's speed. But then again, that's not all there is to it. It's because it'll be a severe mistake if we don't overcome it with certainty yet without rushing it. In regards to this contest, there are two rules attached.

'Knock down the hurdle'. 'Touch the hurdle'. These two time penalties are added onto it as well.

It's 0.5 seconds if the hurdle is knocked down. It's 0.3 seconds if the hurdle is touched. That time will be added for us.

Due to this, just quickly skipping over everything isn't enough to win. One must leap over them with certainty.

But since it also means you obviously won't be able to win if you take too long either, the important thing here is just how much you've grasped the hang of it during the practice period. There are 10 hurdles in total placed at intervals of 10 meters. In the case that you're able to knock them all down then that means a total of 5 seconds would be added to your time. It's pretty much a despairing order.

In this event, it's been decided that Sudou will be participating as part of the last group.

"If you guys are dead last then I'll slap you".

The unathletic students trembled at the intense pressure coming from Sudou, who was watching them with arms crossed.

"What kind of tyranny is this!?".

"Ehh, is Sotomura-kun present? In case of absence, he'll be disqualified".

I could hear those words coming from the referee at the starting line.

"I-I have a stomach ache.....would it be fine if I were to be absent?".

The Professor, who could only barely overcome the hurdles back during practice, tried to escape as though frightened.

"Huh? It's fine if you knock down all the hurdles so show some backbone and stay your course".

"Kopu!? I-I-I have it!".

At a distance where their faces were almost touching, he glared at the Professor who then went onto the course. There's a great difference between coming in dead last and being disqualified. Since in the case of disqualification you won't even be able to acquire a point, participation is essential.

"Damn, he's useless. He does whatever he wants as a habit that's why he's fat".

But as expected, the Professor could not overcome the hurdles and ultimately, he ended up knocking them over by hand and came in at last place.

"Even so, that Shibata guy's pretty good".

In ascertaining the abilities of the other classes, Sudou said that as though advising caution. It's still only the second event but even in the hurdle race he still took 1st place without difficulty.

Right now, he'd be Sudou's rival. Furthermore, like Ichinose, he appears to possess leadership qualities that let him rally his surroundings.

"If we meet directly face-to-face, I'll win".

If this keeps up, then Sudou's goal of being 1st across the entire school year will only grow ever distant. Especially since there's no telling what the outcome will be for the team competitions.

It's cause for anxiety.

"Next up is the fourth group, please prepare yourselves".

Having been called out by the referee, I entered the same course from before. On the second course I could see the figure of Kanzaki.

"We're up against each other right away it seems".

".....go easy on me".

"I've heard that you're quite fast from Ichinose".

I don't know where Ichinose got that idea from.....but looking back I can think of one instance. I suppose she saw me running back when Sakura got caught up in that incident. It's not like I was running at my top speed but from my form and such, it's very likely that she guessed my physical ability as well. Besides that, back when I entertained myself by playing with Ichinose at the pool she had been observing me. It can't be helped that she'd mark me during all the exams and incidents up until now.

"That's misinformation. Didn't you see my rank in the 100 meter dash earlier? It's 5th place, you know".

"That is indeed the result, but it didn't seem to me like you were taking it seriously".

"There's no advantage in holding back one's ability at this sports festival, right? You'd only lose out that way".

"The probability of it is low but it's not like doing so is completely meaningless from a strategic point of view".

It looks like Ichinose and Class B have conducted reconnaissance, observed and then made their guess. For an existence like mine, even if I took first place it's not only my rank but the process leading up to it that they'd take into account.

"Besides, even amongst the same school year, you're a pretty calm man. That type of person is scary after all".

"Well, please think of it as you wish".

We were still in the middle of our conversation but since a boy from Class C got between us, our conversation was cut short. Except for Kanzaki, it doesn't seem like there are any prominent faces in the fourth group.

It'll be an error if my rank rises by even a bit.

At the same time as the starting signal, I started running at about the same pace as before.

As expected, Kanzaki overtook a person but since there's only that one student running in front of me, I ultimately ended up with a good result of 3rd place.

There are combinations to consider too but for better or for worse, it seems like I can maintain this inconspicuous position.

"...haa, good grief.....I can't keep up".

As I returned to our camp after having finished with the race, Yukimura was whispering to himself with a downcast expression. From the looks of it, after having finished with the second contest, he wasn't able to get good results.

"Was it bad?".

"Ayanokouji, huh?.......I want to curse this combination. Seventh group and 7th place....".

So this is what they call a booby prize. He's been driven into considerably bitter circumstances.

"It depends on your mindset. If it's Yukimura, even if you fall to the lower ranks, there won't be any trouble for you on the tests right?".

"I won't get a failing grade. But there's still no change to the fact that my scores will plummet. Besides, this result will be a liability for the class and the team too....".

It seems the man aiming for Class A more than anyone else, also bears responsibility more than anyone else too. It's probably because he disparages students of low academic ability like Sudou and the others with a strong tone usually that he doesn't want to show any weakness now.

It'll be uncouth for me to say anything more and so I slightly took my distance from him.

I focused on the girls' competition. The opening is with Horikita and Sakura, two people I know well. Horikita, who was expecting to win, felt no pressure as she stood at the starting line.

On the other hand, although it sounds bad when I put it into words, Sakura, whose expectation is zero, appeared nervous.

"Horikita-san, it seems like this pairing isn't too good".

"Is that so?".

Hirata, who knew the other classes well, said so after seeing the pairing. The contest will begin soon after.

"In Class C, the ones said to be the fastest are Yajima-san and Kinoshita-san from the track and field club and they're here".

"I see...".

Horikita, in the first 100 meter dash, had been able to dominate the fierce battle against Ibuki but her trials continue on.

"Certainly, it looks like winning's going to be tough".

Horikita snapped forth and sprinted and leaped but the two of Class C went ahead of her.

Then, left without any chances, Horikita finished the contest in 3rd place as a result.

Hirata received that result and turned to face me. It's not an eye contact made in response to Horikita's defeat. It's because he felt a strange sense of unease with the pairings in this race.

3

The next contest up is 'capture-the-flag'. It's a simple yet rough and slightly dangerous team competition.

"We're definitely winning, you guys. Since that idiot Kouenji isn't here, we've got to be that much more fired up!" Sudou shouts.

He encourages all the boys from both Class D and Class A assembled in front of him.

On the other hand, the ones that Sudou's group will be facing are the boys of Class B led by Kanzaki and Shibata as well as the boys of Class C led by Ryuuen. In particular, there are students in Class C that, while unknown, appear to be strong.

There's Sakazaki and Komiya, who were both involved in the quarrel with Sudou a while back, and there's also the brawny half-Japanese half-black student named Yamada. I've seen him around occasionally at school but I wonder how strong he is. Whether there are plenty of or not enough students in each class, right now there's nothing to do but fight after taking our current forces into account.

The rules of the match dictate that the group that makes two captures wins. During their discussion earlier, Katsuragi and Hirata have decided that their classes will be alternating between offense and defense.

They must have determined that splitting up into offense and defense here is a highly risky move. This way it's easier to understand as well as to cooperate. Class D will go on the offense first while Class A have the role of protecting the flag. If this formation allows us to successfully get a headstart then the plan is to not change roles.

"Well, don't worry about it. Even if I'm alone, I'll beat down our enemies".

"Not the people, we're after the flag though.....?".

I said that to him as I've gotten slightly worried after all.

"I can't guarantee that. I'm pissed off because of Kouenji. Grr".

Perhaps he intends on attacking them as he was frank with his hostility. Sudou gave the middle finger to our opponents.

"I'd better keep my distance.....".

Scared of getting involved, Ike and the others slowly backed away from Sudou. That's wise of them.

The attacking team (mainly Sudou) waited impatiently at the front for the whistle that signalled the start of the match. On the other hand, the defending team consisting of Katsuragi and the others are repeatedly checking their formation and building solid defenses.

Naturally, blatant acts of violence like punching and kicking are prohibited but a certain degree of entanglement would probably be overlooked by the school.

A lot of grabbing and pushing is anticipated.

"Uuu---somehow I'm starting to get nervous. Capture-the-flag is a first for me.....".

"Haven't you played it before at your middle school's sports festival?".

"I wasn't told that it'd be a dangerous competition. Have you played it before, Ayanokouji?".

"No....this is a first for me too".

"What the hell? So it's a first for you too".

In the middle of this stale conversation, the signal that marks the match's start rang. And Sudou charged in ahead of everyone else.

The more proactive members followed after him.

"This is bad, let's go Ayanokouji! I'd rather not get killed by Sudou for lazing off after!".

Ike, Yamauchi and I, the ones not suited for conflict, followed slowly behind the more proactive group. Much like us, the BC coalition has also divided its classes up cleanly between offense and defense.

It may be an obvious thing to do given that cooperation between them is more difficult than it is for the DA coalition. In the first round, it seems like it's going to be Class B defending the flag on their side.

The folks from Class B wait up ahead.

By the way, it's forbidden for an attacking team to interact with another attacking team.

At the very most, the rule is that the attacking team must necessarily attack the defending team.

"Anyone who wants to die, bring it on!".

Saying something outrageously dangerous like that, Sudou tore into the opponent's defending team. Then, with a height and power that makes it hard to believe he's a 1st year high school student, he tears away at the students around the flag one by one.

"Stop---! Stop Sudou---!".

A portion of the defending team surrounds Sudou, accompanied by those screams from Class B.

"Hey you guys, follow quickly! I'll clear the way for you!".

Sudou shouts out to the advancing group following from behind him without looking back. However, things aren't that simple. The situation gradually became chaotic, almost like a battlefield, and clouds of dust rose up.

I relied on the Class B students to overcome that situation without being useful nor a hindrance.

"Shit, just how many's going to charge at me!".

Three or four male students pushed back at Sudou with their bodies and even his strength was surpassed.

On the other hand, the advancing group too, on the brink of being able to break through, was suddenly cut off. The problem with Class D is that despite having the penetrative offensive power of Sudou, there is almost no one else with that kind of strength. In contrast, Class B had many students who possessed above average strength. Especially the unaggressive ones like me and the Professor, without contributing to the offense, inevitably end up becoming a liability to it instead.

"This is bad, Ken! It's Class A! That half, Yamada or what's his name, is going on a rampage!".

"Huh!?".

As he turned back towards that voice, the Red Team's flag that Class A had been protecting was now slightly slanted. Since Class C is full of violent people like Sudou...no, students who are almost like fighters, it was an easy task for them to penetrate through our defenses.

If we have a scuffle against each other, it's clear who has the advantage and who's at a disadvantage.

Besides, if Ryuuen had ordered them to attack us, it would probably become a desperate struggle. We need to do something but Sudou, who's the vital one, is also being obstructed by four of five people and can't do a thing. We were completely locked down. Of course, it's already rather impressive that we're facing off against that many people though. Sudou desperately tries to make a move towards the flag, but cruelly enough, the whistle rang.

Ultimately the White Team easily ended up completing one capture.

"Ahh, shit! What the hell are you guys doing!? Put your backs into it!".

Glaring at the cruelly toppled flag, Sudou turns his wrath towards the Class D that could not mount an offense.

"Even if you say that....those guys are pretty strong you know? Oww....I've got a graze".

"It's just a flesh wound, right? Bear with it, you've been snapping at them and kneeing them, you're useless!".

I understand the feeling but both of those are a step away from being foul play and disqualification.

"It can't be helped that they won one round. Next time let's protect it properly ourselves".

Gently patting Sudou's shoulder and once he had calmed down, Hirata sets the fallen flag back up.

"Tch...we're definitely going to protect it, you guys get it!?".

"W-We get it---. We'll do what we can---".

"Not just what you can, we're definitely protecting it. No matter if it's for an hour or two hours!".

If there's something else Class D is lacking in, it would have to be unity and motivation. Those two. This includes me too, but aside from a few students, the rest don't have any kind of ambition.

In regards to that, Class B from earlier who were on the defense had both high unity and motivation and as such, were formidable enemies.

"Ayanokouji, don't let that flag fall even if you die! Because you're still 2nd in the class after all!".

For the record, since I'm next up in strength after Sudou, I'll have to protect the flag alongside him.

I can't carelessly slack off now that I'm being watched by Sudou, who himself was stoutly defending the flag.

"Don't mess with me, I won't let them have an easy consecutive win. I'm going to beat that bastard Ryuuen down".

Speaking of which, during the first round earlier, Ryuuen who had been part of the attacking team, only played the role of an observer. It's because they were already dominating without even needing him to join in. Sudou probably couldn't stand that fact.

"Come out, C. Come out, C".

Sudou continuously whispers that but honestly, it'll prove difficult if the power centric Class C were to assemble and come after us. I think it'll be easier on us if it's Class B attacking us.

As both sides complete their preparations, the start of the second round is at hand. Now then---

"They're here, they're here. They've come!".

Apparently things didn't go the way I had hoped and it ended up going Sudou's way. Building up to an attack, strong students from Class C glared at us. Then the leader who brought that class together as one, Ryuuen, also laughed boldly from the rear.

Almost like he's a tactician commanding the battlefield and along with the signal to start the match, he gave them the order to charge.

It was most likely a simple instruction.

Beneath the words 'topple it' were the soldiers frightened by his tyranny into taking offensive action. Students with huge bodies similar to Sudou's, looking like they're the sports club type, came charging in.

They attacked us like an advancing wall without rushing it.

Screams rose up from the Class D students all over the place. The defending students making up the outer wall are slowly diminishing in numbers.

"Stand up! Grab their legs and pull them down!".

Sudou's unreasonable words of encouragement were drowned out by the angry bellows of our opponents.

Class C repeatedly used elbow strikes that almost wandered into foul play territory and in no time, they broke through to the inner wall. Katsuragi and the others from Class A have also advanced to the point that they could almost touch the flag but I wonder if they'll make it in time.

"Guah!?".

I could hear a voice of agony from Sudou, who was supporting the flag just in front of me. The half named Yamada had made his way up close to Sudou. His physique far surpasses Sudou's.

The flag we were protecting is now slightly slanted.

"Who the hell punched me in my stomach!?".

Apparently, during the chaos, someone had attacked Sudou directly. Furthermore, it wasn't just once or twice as voices of pain and anger become mixed. But for Sudou, who has to hold the flag with both his hands, he was left unable to do anything about it. All he could do was to turtle up and bear with it.

"It hurts, I said it hurts you bastard!".

Just by fighting with his voice alone, Class C showed no signs of ceasing their actions. Sudou kneels down in pain. But even so, I'd like to praise that fighting spirit of his that still tried to protect the flag.

Someone then stepped barefoot onto Sudou's back. Then, as though asserting his dominance, he crushed Sudou's back underfoot with all his strength.

"Gah!?".

Even in the midst of all this jostling during the match, it was a fiendish blow that capitalized on his blind spot. It goes without saying that the one responsible for it was Ryuuen.

"You. Bastard! Guh!".

He was once again stepped on without any hesitation to the point I had thought his spine had been broken.

As Sudou collapsed from that blow, now having lost its support, the flag collapsed after kicking up a cloud of sand.

In the blink of an eye, the outcome was decided.

While collapsed on the ground, Sudou glared up at the man who had stepped on him, Ryuuen.

"Hah, hah. You bastard...that was foul play!".

"Hmm? So you were there? I didn't notice".

Saying that without a trace of fear, he pulled the flag up. Sudou tried to chase after him but it seems his back is still hurting quite a bit as he wasn't able to stand back up.

The DA coalition suffered a great defeat.

"Is your back ok?".

"Kuh...somehow....shit, shit!".

Greater than his pain was the anger at having been the victim of an unreasonable foul play attack that he could not hold back.

"That pompous bastard, if I run into him again I'll punch his lights out.....!".

"You'll end up causing another uproar. Do you want to go through that again?".

By that, I mean the incident where Sudou got into a fight with Class C and almost got disposed of. Furthermore, if it's Sudou who initiates it then this time he will receive punishment for it.

"So it's fine when he does it and it's not when I do!? Look at the marks on my back!".

"I get what you're trying to say but it'll just be seen as an action that naturally happened over the course of the match".

Ryuuen and Sudou, they're both trying to do the same thing but there is an overwhelming difference in their technique.

This time, it was an action that took place while students were all mixed up during the contest and clouds of sand were being kicked up everywhere. Either way, he picked a good time and method to attack.

"Ahh this is pissing me off! To think I was planning on winning every contest!".

From the irritation he felt towards Ryuuen, he turned towards the disappointing Class D and Class A and blatantly voiced his displeasure.

Since Class A also heard it, a few of them returned the glare.

Some of them tried to retort but Katsuragi reined them in and things didn't come to that.

"Sorry for being useless.....".

"Me too. It's also because we couldn't protect it properly. Let's try hard next time".

Only Katsuragi and Hirata calmly accepted the outcome and for now we decided to disband and return to our own camps.

4

The 1st year boys, with no time to rest, prepared for the next contest: tug-of-war. Meanwhile, the ball-toss game for the 1st year girls was also steadily ongoing. The exhausting team competitions continued. I didn't pay much attention to it at first but this is quite an arduous order of doing things.

"Just now, how big of a gap do you think formed.....?".

"I don't know. It's just begun, there's no use in thinking about it".

"That's true but.....a loss is a loss, they're a step ahead of us right?".

Perhaps he couldn't stand the fact that he lost since Sudou was fidgeting while he watched the girls' match.

"It'll be good if the girls can win at least.....".

It's unclear since looking at it from a distance, the outcome of the ball-toss game is difficult to discern. I think it's just that contested since it seems to be quite a close match.

Soon after, as the match ended, the teacher in charge counted up the points one after another while throwing the balls.

"54 in total, the Red Team wins".

Thanks to the girls, the disappointing results of the boys' capture-the-flag match was cancelled out.

The relief we felt at that announcement was transient, as the referee called out to us and began explaining tug-of-war to us.

"Alright, let's go.....!".

"Is your back alright, Ken?".

"My body's tougher than others after all. Besides, there's nothing I can do even if it hurts anyways".

Even as we were worried about him, Sudou stood up with vigor. The rules for tug-of-war are extremely simple and about the same as capture-the-flag.

"If we can make a comeback in tug-of-war, then we can overturn the team competitions. Besides, if it's tug-of-war then there'll be no contact during the match so the other side will also be forced to compete using their strength alone. It shouldn't turn into an absurd fight".

Hirata, who always fretted over Sudou and his surroundings, called out to him like that. Sudou nodded in response.

"I guess so.....that's why we can't lose".

It's purely strength vs. strength. Wits vs. wits. Now then, which side will prove superior? As the four classes gathered in the middle of the ground split up into two, they were divided between the left and the right camps. As Katsuragi came over to Hirata, he quietly whispered to him.

"Just like we discussed, we'll use our strategy to beat them in a single stroke. Got it?".

"Yeah. I understand. Everyone get in position".

Under the leadership of those two, the DA coalition has been thinking up a strategy like it did during capture-the-flag. As Hirata gave the instruction, Class D simultaneously scattered and took up our positions.

The strategy itself is extremely simple and consists of just 'lining up based on our heights'. By doing so it allows us to uniformly and orderly apply our strength properly to the rope.

Of course this will be noted by the opposing team as well but even if the BC coalition attempts to imitate us, they wouldn't be able to line up in order of height in such a short time.

However, a problem emerged for the DA coalition before any of that. Contrary to Class D, who were attempting to line up as such, almost half of the boys in Class A made no move at all.

"Hey, Katsuragi-kun. I'd rather you not arrogantly take charge forever---".

Such a voice could be heard and without even having to look.

".....what do you mean, Hashimoto".

The student named Hashimoto took a step forward. He's a tall, aloof man with his long hair swept behind the back of his head. He had a meek expression on his face but his eyes were those of someone mocking his opponent.

"It's exactly what it sounds like. Isn't it your fault that Class A is currently stalling? Can you say with certainty that this strategy will allow us to win?".

A student has appeared to directly oppose the leader, Katsuragi.

From Katsuragi's heightened state of alert, I doubt this student named Hashimoto is acting alone. But---the timing is strange. While our allies focused on Katsuragi and Hashimoto, I looked back towards our camp and searched for Sakayanagi.

Sakayanagi, who had been there observing us from the start as a visitor, had a small smile of enjoyment on her face. Even from a distance, she should be able to see that the boys were quarrelling.

But the fact that she's still smiling despite that could only mean one thing.

It's that the one who created this situation is not Hashimoto, it's Sakayanagi. I had wondered what kind of trap she would be setting but to think it wasn't for the other classes, but rather, for Class A.

I wonder if it means she's only intending on crushing Katsuragi, her opposition. But this is far too inefficient. This is eerie in a different sense from Ryuuen.

"So what's it going to be, Katsuragi-kun? Can we really win with this strategy?".

Despite the betrayal of his comrades, without being thrown into disarray from it, Katsuragi answered that.

"We're agitating even the students from Class D. We should proceed with the contest calmly".

"That's not an answer---".

Katsuragi tried to calm them down but about half of the students following Hashimoto's lead did not obey.

"Katsuragi-san's telling you lot to do it, so hurry it up! Don't give us this shameful act!".

In the midst of that, Yahiko from the Katsuragi faction raised his voice towards the Sakayanagi faction and forcibly handed the rope to one of the boys.

"I have no intention of refuting the doubts you feel towards my leadership. But if we lose here due to our meaningless squabbling, before things like cooperation and skill come up, the blame will fall on Sakayanagi, you don't mind that then?".

"You don't see anything, do you, Katsuragi-kun?".

Hashimoto sniggers. As the teacher acting the role of the referee approached us, as though to warn us for our lateness, Hashimoto gripped the rope as though he had arrived at the designated position.

"Then, shall we? It'd peeve me if we make them think we're lacking in unity as you said".

For now, Class A's civil war seems to have simmered down and so we also get into position.

"They're a savage bunch, those Class A guys".

"I'm really worried. They may be just a bunch of nerds".

Even to Sudou, who had just been watching, the abnormality of Class A's conflict had been highlighted. Either way, our two classes intermingled and lined up in order of our heights.

Then finally, Sudou, who had absolute confidence in his strength, was placed furthest back.

On the other hand, since the BC coalition are not cooperating, they ended up dividing their forces up cleanly on basis of their class. Class B is taking charge of the rope up front but compared to the DA coalition that's lined up in order of height in descending order from the front, they've adopted the complete opposite strategy. But since Class C is lining up randomly, starting from their center, it fell apart. At the end of the line, for what it's worth, well-built students were holding the rope but...I can't shake the feeling that it's backasswards.

"Heh, for Class B to put the big ones in the front, they just don't get it".

"No, that's not always the case. When pulling the rope, it's advantageous if it's from an elevated position".

Since cooperation between the two classes is impossible, Class B is instead aiming to secure their advantage when it comes to holding the rope.

"Even so, it doesn't change the fact that we still have the high ground. Let's go, you guys!".

Sudou shouts that out and along with the signal that heralds the match's start, we each pulled on the rope.

"Heave-ho! Heave-ho!".

Then, with a shout that seemed like routine, the DA coalition that has achieved basic cooperation with one another pulled on the rope with vigor. At first it seemed as though we had reached an equilibrium but after a few seconds, the flow changed to favor us in one go.

"Oraoraoraora! Easy, easy!".

Before long, along with the signal, the DA coalition's victory was conveyed.

"Alright! Did you see that!? Serves them right!".

Sudou repeatedly roars. As a result of the outcome, Class B confronts Class C with blatant discontent.

"Hey---it'll be real bad if we don't cooperate you know? Those guys are really strong".

Representing his class, Shibata calls out to Ryuuen but Ryuuen didn't even bother with him.

"Alright you lot, it's time to rearrange. Line up starting with the smallest one in front".

Ryuuen gave orders to the chaotic Class C and had them line up with the shortest student at the front and gradually adjusted it so that the heights increased. Precisely in the shape of a bow.

It appears they have no intention of taking Class B's opinion into account, only doing as they please.

After Shibata shook his head in exasperation, he encouraged his comrades in Class B and grasped the rope.

"This one's in the bag. With an arrangement like that, they can't possibly win".

"We can't say that for sure. Everyone, don't let your guard down. The next round won't go the way it did before".

Katsuragi advises the other students, including Sudou.

"Why though? It was easy. It's not like they're lining up in order of decreasing height like we are".

Ike grips the rope even as he frivolously makes light of the situation. Katsuragi tried to continue speaking, but the interval ended and preparations were underway to resume the match.

And so, the second round began.

"Heave-ho! Heave-ho!".

The DA coalition tugs on the rope just as they did in the first round. However, facing a resistance that was clearly different from before, they start to lose their bearings bit by bit.

Even as they pulled and pulled, their position didn't change and feelings of anxiety began to close in.

"Hey, you lot better persevere. If we simply lose then I'll have you lynched".

Along with that carefree warning from Ryuuen, an intense force was applied to the rope and our side was dragged in.

It can't possibly be that their strength surged from just that one command alone.

It means that there's something about the bow-like shape that Ryuuen arranged them in that affects the transfer of force.

"Guuh! It hurts, it hurts!".

Screams rose up from Ike and the others who were holding the rope from the rear.

I also happen to be pulling without letting up but just as expected, the resistance is completely different from before. It was pretty much an evenly matched bout of tug-of-war.

I wonder if it was a difference in cognition that brought about the conclusion of the match.

The DA coalition, pulled in bit by bit, ended up being defeated.

Just because they dominated the first round, there were harsh words coming from students who believed that the cause of their defeat in the second round came from within.

"Why the hell is it different from before!? Is someone holding back?".

They tried to look for the offender among each other. Seeing the situation, Katsuragi immediately followed up.

"Calm down. The cause of our defeat is likely just because the other side took up the right formation. Of course, it's also a fact that there are students among us who took the second round for granted as well. They should get it now. That even if the opponent's teamwork is in tatters, they are still capable of putting up a fight. Focus, recover and along with that, please check your positions once again. Then also, when pulling on the rope, remember to do it at an angle".

Katsuragi realigns everyone again after handing out accurate advice as well as reprimands. He's doing the best he can in what little time he has. On the other hand, as for the opposing team, although they weren't able to achieve cooperation between the two classes, each class is individually united. There's Class B that's surely focusing on the tug-of-war and Class C, that's on standby behind them. But if Ryuuen gives his order, then those students will also certainly be roused.

"Al~right, you guys did pretty well yourselves. We just have to do the same thing again one more time. Let's teach those pieces of trash who think they're going to win who's the boss".

I suppose I should say it's impressive that without having any specific tug-of-war techniques conveyed to us, as a class we're still able to properly produce results.

When both sides were ready, the third and final match commenced.

The shouting resumed for the third time.

"Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Pull!".

Just like the second round, the result wasn't decided right away. The white flag swayed at the center line without moving.

"Keep at it, you guys. We're definitely winning this tug-of-war!".

As though acting in unison from Sudou's shout from the rear, everyone worked together to pull on the rope.

"Heave-ho! Heave-ho!".

No matter how strong the other side is, victory or defeat isn't decided purely by strength alone when it comes to tug-of-war. The white flag began to lean slightly towards the DA coalition's side.

"Don't let up! One more pull! Puuuullll!".

It was Sudou's all out last ditch effort. That put an end to it in an unexpected manner. It should have been a close fight but the resistance we faced up until now loosened up to an unbelievable extent and everyone's bodies fell backwards. The match ended with us being unable to stop our own momentum and falling one after another.

Not quite understanding what had happened, starting with Sudou, most of the students began to show their anger while still collapsed. Judging from the results, it's clear that the situation was caused by our opponents letting go of the rope.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you fucking around?".

Perhaps this situation was also unexpected for Class B, as a few of their students had also fallen.

Eventually, attention was directed at the class where no one had fallen.....attention was directed towards Ryuuen and his group.

"I decided to give it a rest since I thought we couldn't win".

It appears near the end, Ryuuen and the rest of Class C all let go of the rope at once.

"Good for you, picking up such a trashy win. It was quite fun seeing you all groveling".

Even as he lost the match, Ryuuen laughed while looking like he enjoyed the match more than anyone else.

"You bastard!".

If you look at this situation alone, you wouldn't be able to tell which one's the winner here.

As Sudou, who had been at the line's rear end, stood up, he tried to charge at them since he had already been angered by the capture-the-flag incident. However Katsuragi, who had been in front of him, panickedly grabbed his arms to stop him.

"Stop it, Sudou. This is also part of Ryuuen's strategy, his aim is to provoke us and make us waste our stamina. Besides, by instigating violence, he may be aiming to win via foul play".

"But!".

"Certainly, what they did was unsportsmanlike but it's not in violation of the rules".

Katsuragi is skillfully controlling the out-of-control Sudou.

So he's not in Class A for nothing. Perhaps he had judged that further provocation wouldn't yield him any results, since Ryuuen turned his back on us.

"Alright get up, you lot".

Class C got back up right away. Class B also probably wanted to complain.

"It appears we were lucky. Because we don't have to work together with Class C".

Katsuragi said so as though he were relieved and patted Sudou on his shoulder.

"We won, but I don't feel refreshed at all, shit".

I can understand the grumbling Sudou's feelings. We finally won in the team competition but due to Ryuuen's cunning trick, it put a damper on that.

Despite wanting to celebrate, a gloomy feeling hangs above us. Even though they lost, it's not like they didn't gain anything from their fall. The tug-of-war ended and we returned to our own tents.

On the way back, Katsuragi came over to Hirata and quietly whispered an apology to him.

"Sorry about earlier. It's my fault for being unable to control my class".

"You don't have to worry about it. I think we too, let our guard down during the second round. Right?".

Hirata sought the same opinion from me and so I nodded.

"Class A also surprisingly has it tough, huh?".

".....yeah".

It seems he doesn't want to go into detail about it, since Katsuragi didn't deny it but also did not speak further on it. The only thing certain is that he appears to be in quite a difficult spot.