Chapter 3 Part I

After a brief check inside the room, genuine practice for the purpose of determining aptitude began. Hirata's policy was also in effect with compulsory participations not being demanded of the students but with the goal of bringing the class together as one the participation rate was about 90% and ended with only those like Kouenji and the Professor declining. 

"Hau, auu, fuu....".

Right now, a girl came in at last place and looking as though she were about to collapse, she placed her hands on both her knees. 

"Good work out there, Sakura. You were eagerly running out there".

"A-Ayanokouji-kun. Huu".

Sakura, who's always been unathletic, did not proactively participate in things like this. However, recently she's been serious in taking the initiative and is working hard to become a member of the class. 

It's just regrettably, since she's not very athletic, results don't follow her. 

"Ora! Let's go!".

On the other hand, as for the usually unserious Sudou, his existence right now would be noticed by just about anyone. After having mouthed off in class, he could not afford to let it end with disappointing results. 

However, that was a needless concern. Bathing in attention, perhaps he's utilizing more power than usual but Sudou scored without permitting anyone to catch up to him. There are probably no students in our class that could stand up to him as an equal. 

"As expected of Sudou-kun. Whatever you do, you end up in 1st place among the class. That's amazing".

Kushida expressed her respect towards Sudou, who ran the 100 meter dash, while she jumps up and down. 

"Heh, well I guess. But even so, I don't know what'll happen if he runs though".

The one Sudou glared and looked back at was Kouenji, who did not show any interest in the class. 

"Speaking of which, I've never seen Kouenji run seriously before".

Before, when he faced Sudou as an opponent during swimming lessons, when he swam seriously just that once, he transcended Sudou's time. From that, I was able to confirm that Kouenji has high potential. 

But Kouenji is the type of man who won't make a move at all unless he himself decides he'll be doing it. In regards to this sports festival, since his policy is to basically let us think and act freely on our own, Kouenji truly won't do anything at all. 

"Yeah, but it's really amazing. In this sports festival, Sudou-kun's the leader".

"Leader? Me....?".

As he was once again told that, Sudou seemed slightly dumbfounded as he pointed at himself. 

"I agree with that too. The sports festival is truly the place for the athletic students, after all. I believe Sudou-kun is more than qualified for that. If you're fine with it, can you accept it too for everyone's sake?".

As if agreeing with Kushida, Hirata said that while recording. The sports festival demands a strong leader. Hirata also has those qualities in abundance but perhaps he's judged that Sudou who excels at it would fit the bill better. 

"But even so, I'm not cut out to be a leader.....".

Sudou, who pretty much acts alone or with a small few, seemed slightly bewildered. Then he looked at Horikita who was near him and asked her for her opinion. 

"You're not the type of person who can theoretically explain things to someone. For a leader, Hirata-kun would be the superior choice. However, by looking at your sprint earlier as well as your other records I can understand. You're the type of person to shine while bathing in the attention of many. To tug the class along, it's probable that brute force will be necessary. I have no intention of objecting to you being named the leader".

She did not affirm it, but neither did she reject it. In other words, it means she's acknowledged Sudou. 

It seems Horikita is not just vaguely participating in this practice but had been properly ascertaining talent. 

"....I get it. I'll guide Class D to victory in this sports festival then".

Perhaps it could be called the weakness of having fallen in love but Sudou took on such an attitude so as to live up to Horikita's expectations. 

"Don't get clumsily overconfident. You'll get it later if you do".

She warned Sudou to listen to her and after that Horikita left to continue the practice. 

While blushing, Sudou looked at her back and clenched his fist.