Chapter 456: Shizuka Turns into a Master of Arguments
"Let's have a thorough discussion on how to manage this sports festival!"
With Meguri's prompt, Hachiman and the others took their seats.
Seeing everyone seated, Meguri smiled and began.
"Alright, everyone, let's officially start the meeting. The topic is the main events for the sports festival. Please feel free to share your suggestions."
"I'm also tired of the traditional sports festivals. Besides the usual races, we need some fresh and exciting events," Shizuka added.
"Exactly. The school leadership wants to see more innovative events in this sports festival," Meguri nodded and raised her right hand. "So, if anyone has a good idea, please raise your hand!"
"Me!"
Yui immediately raised her hand.
"Okay, Yuigahama-san, go ahead!" Meguri said happily.
Yui shared her idea, "How about an inter-club competition?"
"An inter-club competition? That's a great idea," Meguri smiled and nodded.
A student council member behind her wrote "Inter-Club Competition" on the blackboard.
However, Shizuka spoke up, "That won't work. Not all students are in clubs. This kind of event might make those who aren't in clubs feel left out."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Shizuka was right; many students, especially those in their third year facing the pressure of entrance exams, often quit their clubs to focus on studying.
After the student council member crossed out "Inter-Club Competition," Yukino raised her hand.
"Yes, Yukinoshita-san, please," Meguri said.
"How about a classic bread-eating race? It's versatile and everyone can participate," Yukino suggested.
Yui beamed, "Ah, that's a great idea. As expected of Yukinon."
However, just as the student council member began writing "Bread-Eating Race" on the board, Shizuka interrupted again.
"That might upset the rice lovers and lead to complaints."
Rice lovers? What's next, eating a bowl of rice while running? That's just absurd.
"By the way, I'm a rice person. What about you all?"
Trust Shizuka to derail the conversation. And to make matters worse, Yui seriously responded to her question.
"Ah, I actually prefer bread. How about you, Yukinon?"
"Rice."
Even Yukino answered this pointless question, perhaps influenced by Yui.
Hey, what's the point of answering this question now? Aren't we supposed to be discussing the events for the sports festival?
Hachiman felt a bit frustrated seeing the conversation veering off track.
Just then, Yui, that fool, threw the question back at him.
"What about you, Hikki? Which one do you like?"
"I want both. I'll eat rice stuffed in bread," Hachiman replied irritably. "And what kind of nonsensical faction rivalry is this? Our topic is deciding the events for the sports festival, isn't it?"
Hearing his words, Yui and the others realized they had indeed gotten sidetracked, and a wave of embarrassment washed over them.
Even the student council members, including Meguri, felt the same because they too had been pondering which side they belonged to.
Among all present, only Mafuyu had not been led astray, mainly because she had been distracted ever since she saw Hachiman.
With the "bread-eating race" also vetoed, Meguri called for more ideas.
"No worries, everyone. Let's keep our spirits up and continue brainstorming. Does anyone have any more suggestions?"
Yui, showing remarkable enthusiasm, raised her hand again.
Seeing her so eager, Meguri was naturally pleased. "Alright, Yuigahama-san, go ahead!"
"How about a scavenger hunt?" Yui suggested.
"That's a great idea, a classic event," Meguri smiled and nodded.
However, before she could fully rejoice, Shizuka interjected once more.
"A scavenger hunt can easily upset students who are burdened with family debts. It might lead to complaints."
"Is there really that much to consider?" Yukino asked, surprised.
Shizuka sighed, "Unfortunately, yes. With the new admissions cycle approaching, we have to be particularly cautious."
The "scavenger hunt" idea was vetoed again, and Meguri felt a bit awkward.
"Let's keep trying, everyone. I'm sure we'll come up with a good idea eventually."
For the next half hour, the group came up with one idea after another, but today, Shizuka seemed to have transformed into a master nitpicker. Every idea presented was met with a reason for rejection.
In the end, the whiteboard was filled with crossed-out suggestions, and not a single one was approved.
Seeing this, even Meguri sighed in frustration.
"Does anyone have any other ideas?"
This time, no one raised their hand, as their creativity had been exhausted.
Realizing she had been too critical, Shizuka glanced at Hachiman, signaling for his help.
Seeing her signal, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
Looks like the previous lesson wasn't enough. She dares to ask for my help again.
With this thought, Hachiman shot a glance back at Shizuka that said, "You owe me for this."
Shizuka shivered slightly, recalling the recent incident that left her in bed for days.
Just as she was about to change the subject, Hachiman spoke up.
"It's clear that our creativity alone isn't enough. We need to get more people involved."
"This is called 'work sharing.'"
Hearing this, Yukino shook her head with a hint of resignation.
"Only you could justify laziness so convincingly."
However, she didn't refuse, as they were indeed out of ideas.
"Although I don't understand what you mean by 'work sharing,' Hikki, who do you suggest we ask for help?" Yui asked, puzzled.
"Don't worry, I already have someone in mind." Hachiman smiled slightly, then turned to Mafuyu, who had been silent the whole time. "Mafuyu-sensei, I need your help with something."
Hearing Hachiman suddenly call her name, Mafuyu, who had been daydreaming, snapped back to reality and responded with a bit of panic.
"Ah... you need my help? Sure, what do you need, Hikigaya-kun?"
Although curious about Mafuyu's sudden panic, Hachiman didn't ask directly and instead made his request.
"Could you please fetch Zaimokuza Yoshiteru from Class 2-D and Ebina Hina from Class 2-F? We need their help."
Since it was still class time, and they had special permission from the student council to be there, they needed a teacher like Mafuyu to fetch others.
"Go find these two students? No problem, leave it to me."
After listening to Hachiman's request, Mafuyu nodded and then left the conference room.
Watching her leave, Hachiman continued speaking.
"Alright, let's continue our discussion. Let's put aside the last topic for now. Have you decided on the traditional events like running and long jump?"
"Well, the main events have been decided. We have races, long jumps, and the like," Meguri said with a smile.
"Is that so?" Hearing that it was still the classic events, Hachiman nodded.
"But for the race, I suggest we change the 1000-meter run to a 4x100-meter relay. It's better for team cooperation and makes the competition more interesting."
Indeed, compared to the traditional 1000-meter run, the 4x100-meter relay is more exciting. Watching one person run the entire distance versus seeing four people exchange and coordinate is entirely different.
"Okay, let's change it to a 4x100-meter relay."
After hearing Hachiman's suggestion, Meguri nodded repeatedly, clasping her hands together and smiling happily.
"I knew I could count on you, Hikigaya-kun. You're really amazing."
To Meguri's praise, Hachiman just shrugged.
Just then, the conference room door opened again, and Mafuyu appeared at the doorway with Zaimokuza and Ebina.
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