"Today, we will prepare for tomorrow's sports day. The boys from all classes will work together to set up the event headquarters and the VIP seating.
The girls from Class 1 will prepare the cheering section, Class 2 will mark the field and set up the event areas, and Class 3 will handle the spectator seating for the parents. Listen carefully to your assigned teachers and follow their instructions."
Back in my previous life's elementary school days, we had two sports days a year: the small one in spring and the big one in autumn. I still remember the opening speeches—"Under this clear autumn sky..." Ah, the nostalgia.
By the time my kids were in school, sports day had been reduced to just one in June. I guess it's because the school system changed from three terms to two?
Here, it's been a two-term system from the start, so the sports day is always held in June. In autumn, they do a school play instead.
By the way, Miho-sensei has really grown into her role. She's dependable now, with an air of confidence. I wonder if something sparked that change.
In this world, there's a saying: "A woman who's gone unseen for three days will have changed dramatically." Women can change suddenly—gotta stay on your toes.
"Declaration!"
"We,"
"swear to compete,"
"in the spirit of sportsmanship,"
"with fairness and integrity!"
"Red team representative, Kota Takagi!"
"White team representative, Eri Kobayakawa!"
Wow, Kota looks cool.
I bet Kota's mom is over there going all out filming this. No doubt, her son is a handsome guy after all.
Today is the long-awaited sports day. If there's anything more important to elementary school than sports day, I don't know it. My excitement is through the roof!
This year, I'm determined to take down the reigning champ, Hiroshi-sama. We've got a secret weapon now: Kimura Hideo. In previous years, we've come so close, but this time, with the elite squad we've honed through tag, we're sure to break through.
"Boys! It doesn't matter if you're on the red team or white team, the only chance is now, this battle!
No compromises! Fight with all you've got!"
"YES, SIR!"
Just you wait, Hiroshi.
Or should I say... Mr. No. 1.
"Kota, you were amazing! To be neck and neck with Hiroshi-kun—what an achievement! Here, as a reward, I'll give you an octopus-shaped sausage. Say 'ahhh!'"
Uh, Kota's mom? Kota's absolutely hating this, you might want to stop. No, he's not blushing—he's seriously uncomfortable. Please, stop looking so sad.
As I try to comfort Kota's mom, I can't help but think: Hiroshi-sama is just too strong.
Now, we're enjoying lunch. My mom and Kota's mom prepared a wonderful "picnic lunch" for us. Rice balls, sandwiches, sausages, meatballs, and vegetables that scream "Eat me!"—broccoli, carrots, and asparagus. And wait a second, what's this? Grilled chicken, okonomiyaki, fish and chips? There's no way my mom made these. She definitely bought them. Mom, please, have some restraint!
But you know, food tastes so much better when you eat it together with friends. And at a sports day? It's easily double the deliciousness. I feel so lucky right now.
Everyone gave their all in the morning events.
Especially in any event where Hiroshi was involved—the boys' solidarity was no joke.
The highlight so far was the 50-meter race where Kota faced off against Hiroshi. Everyone in that race was crazy fast, but Hiroshi and Kota stood out above the rest. The people from the private Sakuraizumi Academy in the VIP section were totally stunned.
"Those boys are the ones we've already accepted with recommendations, right? They'd do well in sports too, wouldn't they? We might need to revise our approach once we get back," they were saying.
I was on duty at the event headquarters as part of the staff, and I overheard everything.
Kota came in second by a hair's breadth. It was literally a photo-finish, like the kind you'd see at the World Championships.
I participated in the obstacle course race. They expected me to give Hiroshi some competition, and well, I gave it my best shot.
When the starting pistol fired, we all bolted forward. I cleared the six-tier vault, balance beam, and crawling under the ladder with parkour-like precision and the grace of a master thief.
By that point, I had a two-length lead over Hiroshi.
The final obstacle was a five-meter crawl under a net. I slipped under it smoothly, but then—wham—the net suddenly collapsed on me. I couldn't move forward.
In that moment of hesitation, Hiroshi caught up and sped past me in the final 20-meter stretch, securing his win.
It's worth a review, I tell you! One of the PTA moms in charge of the obstacles was cheering when Hiroshi crossed the finish line. I'm not backing down without a fight!
What's that? It's too much of a hassle and I should stop whining? Why are all the guests glaring at me? Fine, I get it. This is what they call adult pressure. Man, grown-ups are dirty.
"Mommy, they're all bullying me!" I whined, but my mom was doubled over with laughter.
She pointed at me, saying, "That's hilarious, I can't take it anymore! I'm gonna die from laughing!"
Also, what are you drinking? It better be barley juice with less than 1% alcohol!
Look at me when I'm talking to you! Why are you avoiding eye contact?!
"Redemption in individual events will be settled in team competitions," I thought as we headed into the sixth-grade tug-of-war.
Before the match, I gathered our team's girls and gave a pep talk.
"I understand your reluctance to go all out against Hiroshi-sama. You don't want to hurt or oppose someone you love—that makes perfect sense.
But think about this. Do you really think Hiroshi-sama is such a small-minded person?
He'd probably say something like, 'You all did amazing! I tried my best, but I just couldn't keep up. Could you teach me how to win next time?' (cue Hiroshi impression).
And if you lose this tug-of-war in a straight defeat, do you think he'll even look your way afterward?
So come on! Let's all do our best to make Hiroshi-sama proud!"
My speech worked wonders.
We crushed them in the first match.
It seemed like we were headed for a straight victory, but Hiroshi-sama wasn't going down without a fight.
"Wow, everyone's so strong! I really have to try harder.
Team, please, lend me your strength!"
The girls on Hiroshi's team were completely fired up, their eyes sparkling with determination. The boys, who were supposed to be our secret allies, gave me a look that said, "If we betray them now, we'll be killed." They ended up going all out too.
In the second and third matches, we were demolished in record time.
Gah!
(I'll show them what we're made of in the afternoon events! (Famous last words from the losing side.)