Chapter 1 Part II
During our second homeroom period it has been decided that students across all school years would be having a meeting. Over 400 people, including instructors and students, gathered in the gymnasium. The entire student body from the 1st years up to the 3rd years divided up between the Red Team and the White Team. Horikita seemed restless as she looked around at her surroundings. She is probably looking for her brother, Horikita Manabu, who serves as this school's student council president. However, the location is unfavorable. If this many people are present, even if she knows which class he belongs to, it would be difficult to spot him.
And besides, perhaps she's worried about causing her brother trouble, but she seemed to be restraining herself with a reserved gaze and as such her field of vision seemed narrowed.
If she loves her brother that much, I think it would be better for her to act more boldly though. But for Horikita that is probably a task far more difficult and impossible for her to perform than anything else.
Looking back at it now, she's never gone to meet her brother yet even once. All of their contacts have been initiated by him. As the assembled students began causing a ruckus, a few students stepped forward. Everyone's eyes turned towards them.
"I am Fujimaki from Class A of the 3rd years. It has been decided that I will be taking charge of the Red Team for this event".
Apparently it doesn't seem like Horikita's brother is taking charge here. I had thought he would be taking charge of everything since he is the student council president but that doesn't seem to be the case.
But then if so, that makes me curious as to what exactly he does do.
"First of all, I'll be giving the 1st years an advice. This may be unnecessary to a portion of you, but I'd like you to keep in mind how critically important this sports festival is. The experience you will gain from the sports festival will definitely be made use of on a different occasion as well. In future exams as well, there will be times when parts of it feel like games to you. However, each and every last one of them are battles on which you bet your survival in this school".
From the senior students such ambiguous yet appreciated words of advice came.
"Since you don't have a feel for it yet maybe you might not be motivated right now. But since we're doing it anyways we'll be aiming to win, hold strongly onto that feeling. That alone is something everyone should keep in mind".
Having said those weighted words, Fujimaki looked around at the Red Team once before continuing.
"The only event in which all the school years will be participating in is the 1200 meter relay at the end. Other than that, all the other events will have the school years divided up. After this, please assemble according to your school years and discuss your strategy going forward".
Following Fujimaki's words, Class A led by Katsuragi began to assemble in droves.
Class D seems to be wavering slightly. They were feeling nervous towards the gathering of those elites. In the 1st semester too, Class A's grades were overwhelming and no one else could even come close to them.
"It seems we'll be forming a united front in a bizarre manner but let's get along. If possible, I'm thinking we could join forces without any quarrels amongst teammates".
"I feel the same way too, Katsuragi-kun. Let's get along".
Standing at a close distance to one another, Katsuragi and Hirata both declare their intention to cooperate.
Looking at it from Class A's perspective, there are no benefits in teaming up with the lowest class, Class D. However, unless cooperation is established, teammates would end up pulling each other's legs. Rather than trusting each other like siblings, it would be more appropriate to say a pact is made so as to prevent disputes.
"Hey, what's up with that girl...?".
Beside me, Ike softly whispered that. But it's not like I don't understand his urge to whisper that. I feel the same, and even Horikita probably does too. A single student from Class A felt out of place here.
But no one spoke out. Because it didn't feel like the time to do so.
"I believe each class has their individual strategies but---".
Regardless of whether or not he had noticed such a mysterious gaze and feeling from Class D, Katsuragi indifferently continued to speak as the inside of the gymnasium once again became rowdy.
"So are you saying you have no intention of cooperating?".
From slightly afar, a girl's voice reverberated through the gymnasium. Everyone's eyes turned towards her to see what was happening. That voice belonged to 1st year Class B's Ichinose Honami. Beyond her gaze, a class worth of students were making a move to leave the gymnasium. Among them, a single student who was walking with his hands in his pockets, turned around. It's Class C's leader Ryuuen Kakeru.
"You do know I'm leaving out of goodwill, right? Even if I offered to cooperate it's not like you guys would believe me anyways. Ultimately it'll end up as a thorough investigation right? If that's the case, it's just a waste of time".
"I see. So you were thinking of saving us time. I see".
"That's precisely right. You'd better be grateful".
Laughing, Ryuuen began walking out with all the students of Class C in tow.
It was a scene that confirmed to us that there are no disruptions to the dictatorship of Class C.
"Hey, Ryuuen-kun. Are you confident you can win this time without cooperating?".
To the bitter end, it seems Ichinose is intent on cooperating with Ryuuen, as she tries pulling him back.
But Ryuuen did not stop walking.
"Kuku. I wonder".
Laughing slightly, the entire student body of Class C began leaving under his command. Class D did nothing but watch that from afar, but just a moment, Karuizawa's expression turned gloomy.
That could not be helped.
During the shipboard exam that took place before the summer vacation, she had fought with the girls from Class C, Manabe and her group. Due to that, her past of 'having been bullied' was revealed. But the only ones who know of that conflict are me and Yukimura. And since said Yukimura's knowledge of it does not extend to her past of having been bullied, it's not anything I'd need to pay special attention to.
For just a brief moment, Manabe turned towards Class D and looked at Karuizawa. But only for the briefest of moments. She immediately averted her eyes and as though nothing had happened, followed Ryuuen.
"They seem to be having problems of their own. To think they'd have to cooperate with Class C".
It's not like Class D could simply be taken charge of either, but it's still better than Class C I suppose.
It was also a scene that once again served as a reminder that Ryuuen held his entire class's right to decide in his hands. Looking at that, Katsuragi gives Horikita an advice.
"Since we're allies with you guys from Class D this time I'll give you a warning. Don't underestimate Ryuuen. He can laugh while sliding up to you and leap to attack without warning. You'll suffer severely if you let your guard down".
"I'm grateful for your warning, but from the way you said it I wonder if it comes from your personal experience".
"...I have warned you".
Not going into depth about it, Katsuragi returns to his initial position.
"I wonder if that means he's made a move this early".
A single student from our camp who was staring out at Class B and Class C, whispered that. It was from the girl who conspicuously stood out here that I was curious about earlier.
It was a girl sitting all alone with downcast eyes. In her hands she was gripping a slender cane. No matter who looks at her, the fact that she has trouble walking would have clearly been conveyed.
"She is Sakayanagi Arisu. Since she is disabled she'll be utilizing a chair, I'd like you to understand".
The one who offered an explanation was not the person in question herself, but rather, Katsuragi.
"So that is Sakayanagi.....".
It's the other leader of Class A who, according to rumors, split up Class A's forces between herself and Katsuragi.
Her body was slender to the point one could almost be convinced as to why she was absent during the journey to the uninhabited island, and since her legs were not in a good condition she's sitting in a specially prepared chair.
Even as the gazes of her surroundings ended up being focused on that figure of hers, she herself showed no signs of paying any heed to them.
Is her somewhat short hair dyed or not? It's silver. It's become a strong distinguishing feature of hers. Her skin is pale. It seems her name is Arisu, and truly, it almost feels like she came straight from Wonderland.
"She's real cute.....".
It couldn't be helped even if the boys of Class D caused an uproar like that. A cuteness different from Kushida's and Sakura's, a different kind of beauty. That ephemeral figure of hers invokes feelings of wanting to protect her.
But the boys could not muster up the usual air of joking around and do something like call out to her.
Perhaps it was the strength in her eyes that, no matter how faintly, gave off the feeling of a strong will in her. They may have felt that if they drew close to her, something bad would have happened. Having realized she was bathing in their attention, Sakayanagi gently smiled.
"As for me, it is unfortunate, but I will not be of much use to you. I will be losing every competition due to absence".
A faint, yet strong will.
She apologizes for the weakness of her body.
"I will end up inconveniencing my class and Class D both. For that, first of all please allow me to apologize".
"I don't think it's anything to apologize for. No one's going to be hounding you on that after all".
Starting with Hirata down to Sudou, nobody said a word of complaint regarding that to the girl. Nobody attacked her for something that just could not be helped.
"The school is also being harsh. From the start, if her body cannot handle it they should have overlooked it".
"That's right, don't mind it".
"I am most grateful for your kindness".
Contrary to her reputation, Sakayanagi appeared to be overwhelmingly polite and mature. She did not even slightly give off the impression of being the aggressive type as the rumors say. On the other hand, her opposition, Katsuragi, kept on quietly looking at Sakayanagi with a side glance. However, the reason the student known as Sakayanagi had a strong presence was neither because of her cane nor her chair.
From the perspective of Ike and the others who don't know anything, it must have only appeared as though Class A and Class D were sitting separate of each other. However, from my perspective, it was clear from a glance. The students of Class A were clearly sitting as though there was a demarcation line between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi.
It was evidence of the factional conflict within Class A. The Katsuragi faction, at first, appeared equal if not superior to the other faction, but now not even a glimpse of that could be seen.
It was because a few boys and girls, including Yahiko, stood by Katsuragi while almost every other student was in Sakayanagi's faction. It made me think she was deliberately causing this scenario so as to show off her own power.
Sakayanagi herself did not participate in either the uninhabited island exam or the shipboard exam. No such declaration was made but there is plenty of possibility that she received massive penalties for absence during the shipboard special exam. In other words, she was created a situation where her allies continue to grow in number without her having had to produce any results herself. This isn't a matter of whether her appearance is cute or not. In all likelihood, unknown to us, Sakayanagi must have been accumulating accomplishments of her own and building trust in her. Besides, Katsuragi's own failures at the very least had an impact on it too.
It's not like I know the circumstances of other classes but basically, Katsuragi is someone who executes solid strategies. He doesn't seem like the type to continuously make simple mistakes but perhaps this girl is involved in his failures. Either way, Sakayanagi apologized for the shortcomings of her own body and showed no further signs of speaking afterwards.
Almost as though she were observing the actions and behaviors of Katsuragi and Hirata and the others. Maybe I'm overthinking it? It may just be that she's remaining silent after understanding that she won't be of any use during the sports festival. All I know right now is that even if I think about it, no answer would be forthcoming.
Katsuragi may or may not have noticed it, but he continues his conversation with Hirata to confirm each other's strategies.
"By the way, about our cooperative relationship, I'm thinking a relationship where we don't interfere with each other would be fine. You don't mind, do you?".
"In other words, you mean you won't share the details of the competitions you'll be participating in?".
"That's right. If we announce them clumsily it may lead to unnecessary problems. If information about that were to leak to Class C or Class B it would cause suspicion towards Class D and end up causing disruptions to our cooperation. Besides, having to analyze the capabilities of our ally Class D and taking all that into account would only be adding to the troubles. At best, we'll only be cooperating and fighting together. I've judged that this is optimal".
".....that may be so. I do understand that this is a school where it's difficult to establish a relationship in good faith, Katsuragi-kun. Also, even though we're allies in the sense that we're a group, there's no change to the fact that we'll still be competing against each other after all".
Hirata then confirms with the rest of the class whether they have any objections towards this. There were no objections.
Neither class could suddenly trust each other and reveal all their cards to the other.
If that's going to be the case, keeping an appropriate distance would be the safest. It seems Horikita too, is convinced as she did not say anything.
"Then again, it is a fact that we will need to hold a meeting beforehand in the case of group competitions. Regarding that, in the future I'd like to do something similar, you don't mind do you?".
"No, I think that's fine. I'll have a discussion with everyone too".
"Then I'll leave that to you".
The conversation between those two was straight to the point and without any waste of time. It seems like it'd go smoothly.
"Ayanokouji-kun. What kind of methods do you think are there if we want to win in this special exam?".
On the other hand, Horikita was trying to point out guidelines for the sports festival on her own.
"This time is the sports festival. All the school is trying to see here are the presence or absence of athletic abilities.....don't you think so?".
"In theory of course that's correct. I'm interpreting it as a competition ordered according to ability. If there's a factor other than athleticism affecting the results then wouldn't that just be luck?".
"Luck, huh?".
It sounded like an unbefitting remark to me but certainly that may be an aspect of this.
"Unlike studies, the opponents we will be competing against are chosen randomly after all. As a factor, it plays a huge role".
As a matter of fact, there is an aspect of this sports festival where the results can be influenced by how lucky you get with your team. Normally, even Horikita who is capable of beating 80% of the opponents here, will end up losing if she happens to draw the remaining 20% composed of formidable opponents. And on the opposite extreme, someone unathletic who can only beat 10% of the opponents here, if they happen to be pitted against someone even more unathletic than them, may just yet win.
"But what I'm seeking isn't something uncertain like that. I want something certain. Using athleticism as a basis, a method that doesn't purely rely on luck. There were infinite possibilities during the uninhabited island and shipboard special exams.....I feel that way now. But this time too, surely---".
Either from the severe mistakes made so far, or from the failures made so far, but right now I could see Horikita becoming even more obsessed with victory.
"Hey, what do you think the big difference is this time compared to the exams on the uninhabited island and the ship?".
".....difference? I think it's the same kind of special exam".
"Indeed I won't deny it's similar. However, the school side absolutely won't acknowledge it as being the same".
"I don't understand what you're saying. Because there's the cooperative relationship this time with Class A? But even on the ship groups were formed with different classes and an inexplicable team battle happened too....".
"That's not it. In the first place, the basic premise is different".
Towards my reserved way of speaking, Horikita showed frustration and I told her what I had realized.
"In regards to this sports festival, the school side has never once said it was a 'special exam'. We 1st years have been onesidedly calling it such but including Chabashira-sensei too, the other teachers have all only referred to it as the sports festival. Fujimaki of the 3rd years too. Even the printouts we were handed, the words 'special exam' weren't written".
Horikita did not realize, or rather, it didn't strike home for her.
"Even so, what's the matter with that? The mechanism behind it as well as the increase and decrease in points are all pretty much identical to a special exam".
"Certainly. There's not much difference in their contents. But their true natures are different. For instance, on a regular written exam, leaving aside the buying and selling of points in secret, in principle the majority of it tests your skills. Similarly, this sports festival too, should basically be seen as looking for your physical abilities and sense. Just by executing a clumsy trick there would be no impact on it. No, it's been structured so that can't happen. I think the class that genuinely challenges this will be able to exhibit their true worth".
Of course, it doesn't mean that tricks are impossible or meaningless though.
But if the sports festival has started then changing the general situation would essentially be impossible. Like how there are things you can do before and after a written exam but in the middle of the exam the things you can do are limited.
"The essence of this sports festival is to properly make preparations before the actual event. And, to leave behind results during the actual event, that is all there is to it. Simple is best".
"What I want to say is that preparation before the event. I want Class D to definitively win".
"Wrong. What you're trying to do isn't preparation. You're trying to conquer it and looking for loopholes".
"The difference between those.....I don't understand it".
"Preparation is, for instance, who will be participating in the contests in which order, or which ones in the other classes are athletic or unathletic, figuring that out. Discerning which order they will be going in. And, to make sure information about us doesn't leak. That sort of thing. To try and conquer it and looking for loopholes is to force someone into being absent prior to the competition or forcing them to retire halfway through it, that sort of thing. In other words, you're just saying you want a strong hand to play, right?".
It's natural that Horikita, who has always tried to attack from the front up until now and has lost up until now, would think that way. It's natural to want to do something to ensure you won't be overtaken by your opponents in this sports festival.
But even so, if it's that easy to do something about it no one would be having a difficult time.
"At best, you're saying that it's necessary to fight openly and win?".
Regardless of which answer Horikita chooses from now, I have no intention of affirming or denying it. Why? Because the strategy to win isn't singular but always consists of two sides.
Whether it's the uninhabited island or shipboard or this sports festival. It is possible to 'win upfront' or to 'win through a loophole' both. The point is, the important thing is to choose a fighting style that befits the person.
Right now, she's neither heads nor tails. She's at the point where she's about to become one of those.
If we say Katsuragi and Ichinose are heads, while Ryuuen and I are tails, I wonder which one will she choose. I do understand her feeling of wanting to resort to 'tails' after having used that all the way up until now. But still, it's precisely because using 'tails' is extremely difficult in this sports festival that I'm warning her.
"What you think of it is up to you. Horikita, what do you think is the advantage Class D holds right now?".
".....it seems like the quarrel between Class B and Class C will carry some advantages for us, perhaps".
For a brief moment, I thought of ignoring it but I changed my mind.
Because Horikita Suzune has lived in solitude, her outlook is also overwhemingly narrow.
"You're trying to broaden your insight in order to win but isn't your outlook still narrow?".
"Are you talking about me having ignored Ryuuen-kun who refused cooperation with Class B? Since he rejected such a connection I think that's unmistakably something positive though".
"Do you really think that?".
".....after this Ryuuen-kun and Ichinose-san will reconcile and cooperate, that is also a possibility. It's not like Ichinose-san particularly likes Ryuuen-kun either but if it's for the sake of victory, she may throw aside her own feelings and cooperate. But, is it wrong to celebrate at this stage? Just judging it to be a positive is not such a bad thing, right?".
"That's what I mean by narrow outlook though".
"That's an annoying way to put it. Then, what do you see?".
"Up until now, what you have seen of Ryuuen? He won't stop thinking about winning. Even as he speaks casually, he'll always be taking action in order to build strategies to win. But why did he suddenly reject cooperation with Class B at this point? Do you think he truly abandoned cooperation without any thought?".
"Reason for rejection.....? Are you saying Class B and Class C are already connected behind the scenes, perhaps?".
It's necessary to think that way too but the truly important thing is on another vector.
"What we should be thinking of right now is not about his relationship with Class B. It's the fact that there is a high chance he's already thought of a strategy to win. If not, there are no advantages in throwing away dialogue. The possibility that he lied here to have a discussion with Class B should have more yield".
"That---I think the possibility of that is low".
"If the possibility of an earthquake or a fire breaking out is low, are you saying there's no need to prepare just in case? It seems like you don't understand the essential importance of preparing for an emergency".
"That...".
If such a thing does not come to pass, then there's nothing better than that but if you discard that from the very start then in the case that it does end up happening, our reaction would be delayed.
"At the very least, I think currently Ryuuen has more than one strategy to win".
"But.....if that's the case then it's abnormal. We've just learned about the sports festival. To win or anything.....".
"That is why it's necessary to understand that abnormality. What does a frontal attack mean, what does a loophole mean, can we think about those? And also, are there any way we can take 'precautions' against it? Why don't we desperately try to squeeze one out? To rise up to Class A, such things are necessary right?".
If we think about whether or not he has a winning strategy in hand at this stage, we would naturally narrow it down.
Of course, that is something I've started to see after reading Ryuuen's strategies and thoughts from Sudou's violence incident up to the shipboard exam. Right now, Horikita cannot see it yet, huh?
"Well, it'll be fine if we try various things. Let's prepare so that at the very least we'll be able to avoid failure".
"Do you mind not onesidedly making the premise that we'll be failing?".
I'm slightly looking forward now to seeing just how far Horikita is capable of thinking.