Part 1
I went to the special building, then to the multipurpose room. Sakayanagi and Ichinose chatting
were chatting outside the room. It seems that the multipurpose room is still locked.
"Good morning Ayanokouji-kun"
"Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun"
The two welcomed me at the same time and I responded to them by raising my hand.
"Looks like you are unable to enter."
"Sensei said that the four must gather first and enter together."
In other words, this special test is conducted on all considerations and fairness.
If one of us enters the multipurpose room first, we get to calm down and adapt to the
environment in the multipurpose room.
As long as this is a special exam, no matter how big the benchmarks are to maintain the exam's
eligibility, it is not too much.
"Looks like only Kaneda is left."
"Yes ~"
Looking back. I still can't see Kaneda's figure, he shouldn't be late.
"In that case, Ichinose-san is very lucky."
"Eh? Lucky?"
"The current Class D is nothing more than a baby. After all, they won't be able to win against
Class B, so you only need to consider how many times you can win from them. If you can win 7
games in a row, your class points might even exceed Class A's, so the ranks may change. "
"No, that is still uncertain. I think they will also desperately try to face us, I don't want to
underestimate them."
However, Ichinose decided to unleash all her strength. For Sakayanagi who heard this, thought
it was funny, so she laughed.
"Hey? Did I say something strange?"
"No. It's just that your tone of voice sounds as if you are sitting in a chair waiting for the
challenger to approach you. I know very well that you don't consider Class D as an equal
opponent. It's been a full year, how is Class B's conditions? "
This is probably just a joke from Sakayanagi. However, this will not shake Ichinose's heart.
"To win the exam, we come here after formulating a strategy. Especially in an exam that uses
unity, we will not easily lose."
"I understand, I'm overdoing it. That's exactly what Ichinose-san said."
I looked out the window while listening to the conversation between the two of them.
April is arriving soon, and today's weather is very sunny. Not cloudy.
Only 5 minutes left. It is almost too late.
Finally, the sound of footsteps came from the end of the corridor.
"Looks like he's not late or afraid to fight."
Feeling this was funny, Sakayanagi prepared to give Kaneda an exaggerated impression, who
had come last.
Ichinose has also prepared for the best, because the test will start soon
We will meet with Kaneda who will arrive soon, and then everyone will enter the multipurpose
room.
This was what we imagined in our minds.
However ------
The person who came was unexpected.
As soon as that person appeared, Ichinose was the most surprised.
Even though Sakayanagi was both surprised, he looked happy and narrowed his eyes.
"... Ryuuen-kun? Why are you ... ... here?"
Ichinose was clearly shaken after seeing this.
Neither Sakayanagi nor I had imagined this situation.
"What's wrong with you. Why are you so surprised?"
LN_Vol_11-03
The former leader of Class D, Ryuuen, said that after seeing the Ichinose's expression.
"I understand. I didn't expect this. However, I had thought in this special exam, the class will
choose the Commander as the one who holds the protection points."
Sakayanagi who understood the situation stepped forward. After all, there wasn't the figure of
Kaneda near him.
"This special test cannot be started without the Commander, that means, if the Commander is
not present, of course, there must be someone else to replace him. Right?"
Of course on the day of the exam, unexpected situations can occur, because it has all been
considered by the school.
If based on the rules, there should be an agreement that one or two people will be the deputy
Commander.
Of course, responsibility for the defeat will also be shouldered by the Commander in chief.
"Even so, I never expected this. I didn't expect Ryuuen-kun to appear."
"This is certain. However, even if the Commander suffers from a fever or injury on the day of the
exam, as long as it prevents other students from dropping out of school, even if he has to drag
himself, he will definitely come here."
To prepare for the effects of losing the exam, there is no other way to choose a Commander
who has a protection point. In this special exam, the person holding the protective points should
be the Commander - this is what Sakayanagi said, 'He thinks that all classes will definitely do
this.'
Ichinose swallowed once.
Of course, when special exams are announced, there is also a certain level of vigilance in
Ichinose. However, when deciding on the class, Kaneda came in as the Commander who chose
the draw, so Ichinose had removed this possibility.
Perhaps Ichinose had just erased that possibility, after confirming that this special test will be
conducted by students with protective points.
"Because you came to the exam as a substitute Commander, what punishment did you get?"
"Yes. They didn't allow Kaneda to take part in this special exam. Although I believe this
condition is quite reasonable."
Ryuuen said that it had been explained before.
"Is this what you want to surprise us with? However, without Kaneda-kun, isn't that bad for Class
D?"
I didn't know how important Kaneda is, but at least I knew he was a big power in Class D.
Even if Kaneda was absent, this strange strategy was very important. They thought about what
it could mean in their minds.
When did Ryuuen decide to appear as Commander? If it was from the beginning, then this is a
planned event. Ichinose is probably feeling worried now.
"You don't need to be on guard. I can just fill in the blanks. After the class is defeated, the
Commander will be expelled. So, in the end they will be able to expel me completely from Class
D. That will make it easy."
"So, you mean you will give me convenience to do so?"
"Kuku. Of course I can provide you the convenience, so you can relax."
Ryuuen spread his arms and welcomed it kindly. However, Ichinose did not let her guard down.
"No matter what method you use, you will do anything to win. Hasn't this been your way of
fighting all this time?"
"That's if I really want to win."
"I hope you don't continue this Ryuuen-kun. Even though you don't have any protection points,
you are facing a battle of life and death. This kind of thing feels like you handed the white flag to
class B."
Someone like Ichinose is the type of person to lay a foundation and construct a building that is
sturdy, trustworthy and safe. Her ability to deal with unexpected events is not strong. If she
faced a normal opponent, it wouldn't matter, but if her opponent was someone like Ryuuen, it
would be difficult.
Maybe this surprise will not only attack Ichinose, but will affect all students in Class B soon.
Everyone in Class B would surely realize that Ryuuen had become the Commander.
Even if they hadn't, people like Ishizaki would make sure to tell them.
If it happened like that, they would all look like Ichinose, unable to hide their surprise.
If Ryuuen, who was supposed to be a participant, was now the Commander ... they would be
facing unknown instructions - making them concerned.
"It looks like the match between Class B and Class D will be very interesting."
Even though this is not good for Ichinose, I couldn't help but laugh.
She should have acted immediately when Class D repeatedly attacked her class.
If she realized that Ryuuen was hiding in the shadows, she would not have been surprised.
"Since everyone is gathered, let's go."
Sakayanagi walked in the first and entered the multi-purpose room. There is a wall that divides 2
rooms which previously did not exist. I went to my seat and saw that the wall was very sturdy
and soundproof. The 4th homeroom teacher was waiting for us.
"Class B and Class D students move to the other side."
Following instructions from Mashima-sensei, Ryuuen and Ichinose entered the room next door.
Chabashira-sensei was also there.
Class A and C supervisors are Sakagami-sensei of Class D and Hoshinomiya-sensei of Class
B.
It seems that each homeroom teacher could not supervise their own class.
"Since the special exams will begin in 5 minutes, make sure you are prepared."
After Hoshinomiya-sensei gave such advice, she began to make final discussions about the
special exam with Sakagami-sensei.
Before the special exams began, there was still a little time left for Sakayanagi and I.
"Finally ... the day has arrived. I had a hard time sleeping yesterday so I nearly slept in this
morning."
"I don't remember making you wait. From the start, I only met you just by coincidence."
"You mean if you hadn't attended this school, we would have never met?"
After seeing me respond with a nod, Sakayanagi smiled and denied this statement.
"Of course, the fact that we met at this school is only a coincidence. However, I'm sure I would
have met with you again someday. That will definitely happen, it is fate."
"Destiny? That's a pretty abstract thing to say."
"That's because I'm a girl, too."
Sakayanagi smiled as she said that and slowly approached with her cane.
"If you hadn't enrolled in this school, I just needed to postpone it for 3 more years. I have the
confidence that I can hide my anticipation deep inside. But, I can't hold it back anymore. I can't
help it, today I feel like "My days last longer knowing that you're by my side. I want to fight,
suppressing those feelings is hard enough. That's my dream."
Sakayanagi suddenly spoke more. In the end her dream can be realized ...
"Aren't you afraid of waking up from that dream?"
After this battle becomes reality, she cannot return from it.
"Because dreams are things you should wake up from."
It seems like she doesn't care about anything. All that mattered was that I have made her wish
come true today.
"Normally, I'd ask you to ... just take it easy but ..."
Those eyes were not what a girl should have, and her gaze was as sharp as a hunter for its
prey.
"Please face me with everything you have."
If I decide to fight half-heartedly, she wouldn't be satisfied.
Even though I never intend to make her happy, it would be troublesome if I continued to be
ensnared by her.
However, it is difficult to say whether this particular test will be able to satisfy Sakayanagi.
She seemed to understand what I was thinking, so she added.
"It's a lie to say that I don't have conflicting feelings about this. An inadequate test like this won't
be enough for us to prove our ability. We leaders are limited in how we can influence the
outcome, am I right?"
Schools will not give special tests that are too heavy, which can only be determined by the
Commander's results.
Even so, as long as she can decide the outcome, this is a trivial matter. This is what she meant.
"However, if the influence of the leaders is too great, another problem will arrive. I think I should
consider your situation too Ayanokouji-kun. You don't want your classmates to know your true
abilities?"
This consideration was very meaningful. If the Commander can greatly influence the success of
all events, she is afraid that I would not utilize my full capacity.
"Ok! The exam will start soon! Return to your seats!"
LN_Vol_11-10(Illustration of Sakayanagi and Ayanokouji)
Hoshinomiya-sensei gave instructions and we sat facing each other across the device.
Of course we couldn't see each other's expressions. Photos of the students of Class C was
displayed on the computer screen.
Excluding me, there was a total of 38 people. Next, I had to divide everyone into each chosen
event and instruct them to go for the exam.
The monitor then displays the 10 events that we submitted.
"I Sakagami, am in charge of this special exam. Let's start the last special exam for year 1. For
each class, select 5 events by pressing the Enter key."
I have no doubts about choosing the five events that Horikita wanted.
For Class A it also didn't take long to complete. Then the programs we selected were displayed
on the big screen.
The 5 selected programs for Class C are: 'Archery', 'Basketball', 'Table Tennis', 'Typing Ability'
and 'Tennis'. Although it may be a bit of a problem, I wanted to include an interesting event like
'Rock-paper-scissors', but it seems like I have to give that up.
When an English event was proposed by Class A, we did not consider it. Even though Hirata
and Onodera were good at soccer, piano and swimming, they can also perform well in other
events, so I didn't choose these three events.
In this case, Class C uses a sport-based strategy to fight.
The 5 programs chosen by Class A are: 'Chess', 'English Language Test', 'Modern Text Test',
'Mathematics Test' and 'Mental Arithmetic'. From a total of 10 events, Sakayanagi had chosen 3 main events that Katsuragi had predicted. Mental Arithmetic and Modern Text Exams are also
included. This was a perfect information.
However, there would be no change in the situation. Because I didn't tell this fact to Horikita.
"The 7 events will now be chosen randomly."
"Even so, Ayanokouji-kun, your opponent is Sakayanagi-san, this is too pathetic. As a teacher,
I'm very sympathetic to you."
"Hoshinomiya-sensei, obey the rules."
"Ok, Ok. I'm sorry for speaking without permission ~"
Hoshinomiya-sensei was warned by Sakagami-sensei for several reasons, and pondered about
it himself.
"The lottery results will be displayed on the big screen in the middle. Please take a look."
Sakagami-sensei said this, urging us to look at the big screen. Then, the screen changed.
The screen switches to a 3D image and displays the 'event drawing' sentence.
Then the first event chosen is -
'Basketball' The number of participants needed is 5 people. Time is 20 minutes (2 sets of
matches with a time limit of 10 minutes each)
Rules, based on a standard basketball game.
The Commander can change 1 player at any time.
Match 5 vs 5. This was the event chosen by Class C.
In other words, this is an event that we believe will not lose.
"Sorry, Sensei, are we free to talk with one another?"
"There are no rules about this. You can talk freely."
"Does that mean we are free to fight with our words?"
Although Sakayanagi directly stated her goal to the teacher, he did not consider it a problem.
"Wow, Sakayanagi-san, you're not very compassionate."
This was because he thought Sakayanagi had been allowed by Sakagami-sensei to start
attacking me mercilessly.
"Hoshinomiya-Sensei!"
"Ok, sorry! I won't say anything else!"
Although students are free to talk, teachers are not allowed. Hoshinomiya-Sensei continued to
get warnings.
"As I expected, Class C chose several sports for the official events. After all, it's not surprising
because there are many skilled students in this class in your class. In this basketball game,
Sudou-kun is a key figure. Even in this school, he is the best basketball player. If you choose an
event that isn't convincing, you won't be able to beat us. "
Although I could hear the analysis from Sakayanagi who expected me to be involved in this war
of words, I deliberately kept myself silent.
I want to try my best not to over-impress Hoshinomiya-Sensei and Sakagami-Sensei.
"You don't say anything - did Horikita-san who is the real Commander actually give such an
order to you?"
As I kept silent, Sakayanagi continued to speak.
"If it's like that, even if you say something, it won't affect the election. Isn't that right?"
Sakayanagi also understood that I intended to speak as little as possible in front of the teachers.
"Horikita warned me, so that I would not say anything to you. She said if I spoke carelessly, I
would fall into Sakayanagi's trap and damage myself."
"Fufu. Ayanokouji-kun, you can't say this. You just gave me favorable information in that
sentence. Who manipulated you in the shadows? This sort of thing you should hide until the
end. If you claim to be warned by Horikita-san, didn't I tell you? I can guess information based
on your personality and behavior patterns? "
"No, this ... not necessarily I received instructions from Horikita."
"Did you just explain it yourself? To be honest, you actually received instructions from
Horikita-san."
Hoshinomiya-Sensei who sneaked and peeked to eavesdrop on our conversation, put a hand
on her forehead, and made an 'ah ~~' sound.
Sakagami-sensei saw that I easily revealed information to Sakayanagi and shook his head.
"Oh, I'm just saying that I was warned by Horikita ... Maybe, someone else had given
instructions."
"Maybe? Even if you are lying at this time, you should firmly say if someone else is giving
instructions."
She not only looked through me, but left sent salt on the enemy, this was to maintain the current
status quo.
In this conversation, we intended to let the teachers believe there is an extraordinary power gap
between Sakayanagi and I.
After we deceived the teachers, the special test began.
"Do you think these words are interesting? We have discussed and thought carefully about how
you will act, so I dare to challenge the exam. Even if you realize that the battle plan was
designed by Horikita, this has also been calculated."
"Oh, now you admit it face to face. But why do you think that the battle plan is entirely in my
possession? Like Ayanokouji-kun, I also have a lot of smart people behind me. Have you ever
thought of the many scenarios you have prepared before coming to the exam?"
"That ---"
Even though the teacher allowed us to fight for words but tens of seconds have passed.
Sakagami-sensei, who couldn't allow it, began to continue the examination process.
"A countdown is in progress. I will allow you to chat as you wish, but don't let it pass."
Of course, this did not affect my mental state at all.
It was just that the teachers were worried because I continued to chat with Sakayanagi.
After we selected the participants, the list of students participating in the basketball match was
released at the same time.
The 5 participants from my class are: 'Susumu Makita' as the captain, 'Minami Setsuya', 'Ike
Kanji', 'Hondou Ryotaro' and 'Onodera Kayano'. Sudou was not included. And I added a girl into
the mix. The trump card is Makita. According to Sudou, as long as he practices basketball, his
skills are very good. For Onodera, even though she is very good at swimming, it seems her
basketball techniques aren't bad. Compared to choosing a boy who isn't too good, it's better to
choose him to make the team shine. That is the result of Horikita's assessment. And our
opponent, Class A, has also chosen 5 people, 'Machida Kouji', 'Toba Shigeru', 'Kamuro
Masumi', 'Shimizu Naoki' and 'Kitou Hayato'. They also mix in a girl.
According to Hirata, Kei, and Kushida's analysis, the team that we formed is a team that will no
doubt win.
Even though I can't see the expression of Sakagami-Sensei who is standing next to
Sakayanagi, I can clearly know the expression of Hoshinomiya-Sensei who is standing next to
me. Soon, she realized that she began to doubt the participants I have chosen.
After all, in this basketball game, everyone can see that Sudou was not on the field.
Of course, this was not a battle plan that I decided on, but a matter that had been discussed and
decided upon by Horikita in class.
However, Sakayanagi naturally saw the purpose of this battle.
"I don't think it's a coincidence. You planned to fight without Sudou-kun. After all, he's very
athletic, even if he can play Table Tennis or Tennis, it's no surprise. I can see through all your
strategies."
If I chose Sudou in the beginning, Class C would be able to secure this victory firmly and
convincingly. However, for class A, Basketball events should not be welcomed. Once they see
the Basketball program, they will think of Sudou. If they compete with a Basketball team from
Class C led by Sudou, the chances of their victory would be very low.
In this case, they will sacrifice the match and begin to think about 'using students who are not
athletic.'
Conversely, if we used strong talents like Sudou now, they might be the ones who will benefit.
Given this situation, we as Class C deliberately chose not to use Sudou. We can save Sudou's
valuable strength because he can win in other sporting events that may be chosen later. We
want to win as many battles as possible.
After that, when Tennis or Table Tennis is chosen, whether to play Sudou or not will leave a
large impact in this battle.
However, from the perspective of the composition of Class A members, our superficial thinking
seems to be clear.
"That reminds me, you can change players at any time. Who arranged the intervention of the
Commander at this event? Was this proposed by Horikita-san? The goal was fully revealed."
"Sorry, I can't answer."
"I see. Since you can't answer, it can't be helped."
On the other side of the big screen, the game is being prepared in advance. Then, it doesn't
take long to start the match.
Meanwhile, we can only watch.
The only thing we can do is change players according to the situation.
However, this step is likely to have a large impact on the outcome.
With the sound of the whistle, the basketball game has begun. The match will only run for 10
minutes.
Although Class C had not used Sudou, the game's development in the early stages is almost
balanced.
After we score 2 points, the opponent also gets a score of 2 points. It is a an equal match.
The teachers also got carried away by the game because it was difficult to determine which side
will win.
Makita had very beautiful ball dribbling. Although still far below the level of Sudou, Makita, a
player who is more active than others, can thus play a key role. On the other side, Class A's
Kitou stood in the position as the key player to face Makita.
When the game reached halftime, the score is 12-11. The difference is only one point.
Class C barely leads because it's only 1 point apart, and the situation had become difficult.
"This is a really entertaining match."
Sakayanagi sighed. But it's hard to tell who will play better in the second half.
After 4 minutes of resting, the game will continue. However, there was no action from
Sakayanagi. Even though we lead by 1 point, she believes that the two sides are quite balanced
and she plans to overlook the situation again. However, I did not hesitate to reach the keyboard.
Because I decided to play Sudou here. Allow him to replace Ike.
This Basketball match looks tight, this is because the opposing team has a similar level of
ability. It seems difficult to know the results.
But for 10 minutes, I wanted to analyze the situation first, I had doubts about whether I should
play Sudou or not?
"Fufu."
Sakayanagi's laugh entered my ears. It seems like she didn't want to allow me to save Sudou
for another event.
On the other side of the screen, a heated Sudou walked towards the camera.
Even though he wasn't played here, he felt that there was an unusual oddity. His expression is
very serious.
It seemed like he naturally felt the same way I felt.
"The strength of the two sides is still quite balanced. No, Class C is still leading. Isn't it still too
early to play Sudou-kun?"
"I think we have to confidently win this match."
"After all, this is a very important first battle. I understand your mood very well. Besides, there is
no guarantee that Tennis or Table Tennis will be chosen next. If both events are not selected,
Sudou-kun will not be able to play in other events. Then there's no point in saving him for later,
it's useless. "
"You're not going to change any players?"
"There is no need. We have selected the strongest ranks to win this match."
Kitou, who was dealing directly with Makita before, seemed to turn to Sudou.
Sudou should have watched this game from the beginning in another room as a backup.
He should have understood the difference in strength.
The 4 minute break ended and the second half began.
Kitou overshadowed Sudou. In this second round the tenseness has increased.
"'After all ... Your fear is clearly visible!"
Sudou's loud voice crossed the screen and passed into the room.
Class A deliberately held back their strength to make Sudou play - we understood this from the
start.
However, I don't know how much Class A had held back until Sudou began to play.
Even though Kitou is very good, Sudou's skills are at a different level.
He broke through the defense and attempted to score.
In order not to let us score, the players from Class A desperately blocked the onslaught of the
Class C players led by Sudou.
Even though Sudou is a skilled player, the level of players from other class A is definitely better
than those in Class C.
The score became 17-13, slowly widening the gap. However, the opponent's game does not
waver, and they gradually became more alert.
"Hey Kitou! You're experienced in Basketball, right !?"
"No - But it seems like you are having a hard time with a group of beginners."
"Stop lying!"
"I'm not lying at all. My friends and I only practiced for less than a week. You seem to have
confidence in Basketball, but look, you're not even that good."
"You are only saying that!"
Because there was no cheering, Sudou and Kitou's conversations could be heard through the
monitor.
By saying 'you are facing a group of amateurs but are still struggling hard', the action starts to
shake Sudou, so his movements start to get a little chaotic.
"Fufu, that's a lie, Kitou-kun is an experienced Basketball player."
Letting Kitou shake Sudou was a result of a strategy planned by Sakayanagi.
"When he attacks him mentally like this, Sudou-kun will take a hit. Even if his skills are far
superior, as long as his heart isn't strong, it will create an opportunity."
Kitou looks very good at playing basketball. He deliberately held back his strength in the first
round, as if playing in balance with Class C. They aimed to make Sudou enter the game more
slowly, then intended to turn things around at the last moment.
Even though it was difficult to do this, they still tried to provoke Sudou and disrupt his
concentration for victory.
This two-step strategy from the beautiful Sakayanagi has opened a gap in Class C.
"We'll catch up soon."
Kitou gets the ball in the basket, making the score 17 - 15. Class A is beginning to show a
momentum to catch up.
Indeed, if Sudou's spirit was chaotic, it would be according to his plan.
However -
"You said Sudou's heart wasn't strong. Where was that information come from?"
"What do you mean?"
Sudou has grown very well in the past year. Now his soul will not be disturbed by such a
provocation. Horikita will not praise him just because he played well. She will only praise Sudou
if he leads the team to a victory.
"Oh!"
"Uhh !?"
Although the tone is very rough, the dribble rhythm has returned. Sudou passed Kitou's defense
and stared intently at the basket. Nobody could stop him again. He dunked, and class C
gradually increased the score.
"Oh ... even though your words make me a little angry ... you can't beat me."
Even though Kitou was good at Basketball, Sudou regained his composure.
"Apparently. He has matured."
After that, Sudou was not interrupted until the end of the match, and led the team smoothly.
Finally, the game's whistle ended.
"Yeah! I did it, Suzune!"
As if playing in a large Basketball tournament, Sudou was very joyful for winning.
It can be said that this victory is indeed appropriate for him to celebrate.
"I thought I could win with luck, but that was his specialty, after all."
It seems that even if Sudou is played early on in this Basketball game, Sakayanagi still planned
to seriously aim for victory in this game.
The final score is 24-16. We won the first game by a landslide.
"I didn't expect Class C to win first. It's hard to predict who will win or lose."
As if talking to herself, Hoshinomiya-Sensei muttered with excitement.
Even though we won this match, we already used one of our key players.
Since we've already played Sudou, we must achieve 'victory' in this Basketball event.