The Latent Challenge

Ayanokouji stood in front of the cutting board, carefully observing the carrot resting in front of him. He held the knife with determination, recalling Ichinose's instructions on the proper cutting technique. With a precise movement, he began to slice the carrot, marveling at the vibrant orange hue that unfolded with each slice. The fresh, crunchy texture of the carrot under the knife's edge was a delight to his senses, and his mind immersed itself in the task with renewed concentration.As Ayanokouji continued to cut the carrots with precision, the concentration on his face contrasted with the gleam of excitement shining in his eyes. He greatly enjoyed the culinary learning process, finding satisfaction in each cut that reflected his dedication to mastering this new skill.Ichinose watched his progress with a smile of satisfaction, noting how Ayanokouji gracefully integrated the teachings with determination. "You seem to have mastered the technique quickly, Ayanokouji-kun," she commented approvingly, admiring his progress with genuine admiration. "You'll soon be quite the expert in the kitchen."Ayanokouji nodded slightly, feeling a sense of accomplishment reflected in the spark of his eyes, although his serious expression didn't show his emotion. "Thank you for taking the time to teach me. I'm learning a lot," he replied sincerely, conveying his gratitude through his calm voice.Ichinose understood that despite his seriousness, Ayanokouji enjoyed the culinary experience as much as she did. "It's a pleasure for me to see you develop this skill. Cooking is much more than just following recipes; it's also a way to connect with others," she explained warmly, acknowledging the importance of this moment in their relationship.As the cooking class progressed, Ayanokouji experienced significant personal growth. Not only was he acquiring new culinary skills, but he was also discovering unexpected aspects of his own personality. Cooking was not only transforming his abilities but also his perspective on life.As they continued preparing carrot sushi, the conversation between them flowed naturally. Through small gestures and comments, Ayanokouji demonstrated his gratitude and appreciation for the bond forming with Ichinose through cooking. Although unable to smile, his gaze revealed the satisfaction he felt in that moment, a silent connection that transcended words and strengthened their complicity.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After bidding farewell to my friends, I left the classroom with anticipation of meeting her. It had been three days since she sent that intriguing message inviting me to meet. Truth be told, I was quite curious to find out what our next conversation held in store for us. We had agreed to meet in a quiet place just behind the special building, probably without cameras watching us and thus ensuring our privacy, like last time.As I walked, I was attentive to my surroundings, looking for cameras along the way. As I approached the destination, I noticed there were far fewer cameras and fewer people. In this secluded place, it was unlikely that anyone would appear by chance. I highly doubted that anyone would come here without a specific reason; the place was completely removed from crowded areas, creating a sense of isolation and mystery.Upon reaching the agreed-upon location, I noticed the absence of cameras, as expected. It was evident that she had chosen a discreet corner free from prying eyes. The question lingering in my mind was: why this particular place?"Thank you for coming, Ayanokouji-kun," a soft voice reached my ears. I turned around, and there she was, with her characteristic smile."Ayanokouji: I think a message from you is hard to ignore, and if I hadn't come on my own, you probably would have sent Kamuro to fetch me. I wanted to spare myself that," I replied."Sakayanagi: fufufu, you're right. Well, now that you're finally here, shall we begin? I don't want to take up too much of your time," she said."Ayanokouji: of course, what did you want to talk about?""Sakayanagi: first, do you already know what happened to my father, right?" she asked."Ayanokouji: I suppose he called you too, huh? It seems he couldn't help but tell his daughter," I replied."Sakayanagi: fufufu, that's obvious. I'm his little princess, after all," she smiled proudly."It seems like your father wants to reclaim some ground, Ayanokouji-kun, enough to falsely accuse my father," she continued, with a tone revealing her anger."Ayanokouji: I suppose so. They might show up in our last special exam of the year.""Sakayanagi: It's likely, although we don't know what that exam will be like. You have to be on alert.""Ayanokouji: Are you worried I might be expelled?""Sakayanagi: Clearly, I can't let you be expelled before I can crush you. I'm the only one who has the right to do that," she said smiling."Ayanokouji: I guess that's what this meeting is about, isn't it?"Sakayanagi was about to make her proposal when she was interrupted by an unexpected visitor."Hello, kids, can you tell me where the principal's office is?" asked a middle-aged person with a smile."Sakayanagi: sir, I think it's quite far from where it should be," said Sakayanagi, whose smile disappeared."The truth is, I was assigned today and I'm a little lost, could you help me, if it's not too much trouble, of course?" he said as he approached with a smile that seemed warm."Sakayanagi: It's fine, let me help you. Just go down that hallway, turn right and then-" Sakayanagi couldn't finish giving the directions when the mysterious man, whom she had already sized up, quickly approached Sakayanagi and kicked her cane. Surprised by the action, Sakayanagi, leaning on her cane, lost her balance and was about to fall.I quickly moved my body to catch Sakayanagi, as if she fell on the concrete, she could hurt herself. I wrapped my arms around her waist, successfully stopping her fall. But apparently, that wouldn't be the end of it. When I caught her, the man lunged at me going for my neck. I quickly used my left hand to twist his hand, while with my right hand I gently put Sakayanagi on the floor.After that, the man lunged at Ayanokouji generating an exchange of blows.The exchange of blows between Ayanokouji and the mysterious man was a deadly dance, choreographed on the edge of life and death. Every move was calculated, every muscle tense, and the air vibrated with the energy of their confrontation.Ayanokouji, with unwavering calm, moved like a feline stalking its prey. His eyes, cold and analytical, studied every gesture of the man. The gentleman, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of violence. His punches were quick and precise, but Ayanokouji dodged them with astonishing precision.The first blow came from the gentleman. A direct punch to Ayanokouji's face. But the young prodigy leaned back, dodging the blow by millimeters. Then, with surprising speed, he counterattacked. A blow to the man's stomach, causing him to stagger back.The gentleman didn't give up. He charged again, this time with a spinning kick. Ayanokouji jumped, spinning in the air to avoid the impact. He landed gracefully and responded with a series of rapid blows. Punches and kicks that found their target on the man's body.The gentleman staggered back, coughing up blood. But he didn't stop. He lunged again, this time with a knife in hand. Ayanokouji narrowly dodged it, feeling the air cut his cheek.The difference in skills was evident. Ayanokouji was a master of martial arts, a relentless strategist, and an expert in hand-to-hand combat. The gentleman, although skilled, stood no chance against Ayanokouji's skill and intelligence.But Ayanokouji didn't want to knock out the man. He knew that could bring unnecessary trouble. Instead, he decided to demonstrate his superiority in a less lethal way. With precise movements, he disarmed the man and left him breathless on the ground.Sakayanagi watched the scene in amazement. Ayanokouji turned to her and offered her a hand to help her up."Are you okay?" he asked.Sakayanagi nodded, still stunned by how quickly everything had happened."Thank you," she murmured. "You're amazing."After leaving the man on the ground, coughing and breathless, Ayanokouji remained on guard, watching the man's every move warily. The gentleman, still recovering from the impact of the fight, looked at Ayanokouji with a mixture of surprise and respect."I didn't expect anything less from the masterpiece," said the man, his voice resonating with a tone of admiration and recognition for Ayanokouji's combat skills. Although he had been defeated, he showed no signs of surrender, rather a latent determination shone in his eyes.However, his next words brought a worrying warning. "Your father won't stand idly by," the man warned with a serious tone, his voice resonating with an implicit threat. "He'll do everything in his power to get you back as soon as possible."Ayanokouji nodded silently, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He knew that today's actions could have significant consequences, not only for him but also for his friends and those close to him. Although he had won this battle, he was aware that the war was just beginning.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After the tense confrontation, the mysterious man walked away, leaving Sakayanagi and Ayanokouji alone amidst the adrenaline-charged atmosphere."I didn't expect that ambush, much less that someone would try to harm us deliberately," Sakayanagi murmured, trying to catch her breath after the incident.Ayanokouji, with his usual calmness, replied: "I suppose that attack was a test for me."Sakayanagi looked at him perplexed. "Attacking you with a knife is a test?" she asked, surprised by Ayanokouji's apparent calmness in the face of danger."I think the attack itself wasn't meant to physically harm me, but rather to determine to what extent I would be willing to defend my current position," Ayanokouji explained.Sakayanagi nodded, recognizing the logic behind his words. "You're right, although maybe a knife was a bit excessive," she admitted.Ayanokouji reflected for a moment before responding: "I suppose so."The exchange of words became deeper when Sakayanagi asked with curiosity but also with a concerned look: "You didn't seem afraid to face someone armed. Were you subjected to this kind of tests in the White Room?".Ayanokouji remained silent for a moment before responding cautiously: "I can't talk about that, but events like these are not rare for me."Sakayanagi: I understand that there are topics you may prefer not to address, but I would like to revisit the purpose that led me to call you here."I suppose you're looking for a confrontation, aren't you?" Ayanokouji suggested, with a penetrating look reflecting his deep understanding of the situation.Sakayanagi's malicious smile revealed her true intentions. "I would love to compete with you in the year-end special exam," she admitted, with a spark of challenge in her eyes.Ayanokouji carefully considered his words before responding, aware of the implications of his acceptance. "Although we don't have information yet about the details of the exam, it's true that we could face numerous challenges, even those that don't directly involve class-to-class combat," he reflected, pointing out the uncertainty surrounding the event.Sakayanagi's confidence didn't waver in the slightest. "Don't worry about that, Ayanokouji-kun. I have my sources, and I know that the special exam will focus on class-to-class confrontations," she affirmed confidently, once again revealing her deep knowledge of the school system's intricacies.Ayanokouji looked at her curious about her confidence, then nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand," he murmured, admitting the truth in her words.Sakayanagi's proposal added a new nuance to the challenge, and Ayanokouji pondered its possible implications. "If what you say is true, then it's likely that Ichinose will represent our class," he observed, acknowledging the reality of the situation.Sakayanagi's response was a mix of confidence and cunning. "I know you can influence her, and besides, who knows what challenges await us in the special exam," she suggested, hinting at the complexity of the competition looming ahead.Ayanokouji couldn't help but notice the defiant gleam in Sakayanagi's eyes. "It seems you're eager to face me," he observed, recognizing the intensity of their rivalry.Sakayanagi's response was direct and revealing. "It's been my dream since I first saw you: I would like to crush the false geniuses," she admitted with a malicious smile, making it clear her desire to surpass those she considered inferior.Ayanokouji nodded solemnly, accepting the challenge ahead. "Then, I accept this confrontation. I know you won't give up easily and that you'll continue challenging me in the future," he declared, acknowledging Sakayanagi's persistence as a formidable opponent.Sakayanagi's suggestion added a new level of complexity to the agreement, and Ayanokouji carefully considered it before accepting. "I agree. A favor will be more suitable given our circumstances," he conceded, recognizing the logic behind her proposal.With an elegant gesture, Sakayanagi extended her hand, thus sealing the pact between them. Ayanokouji felt the weight of the agreement as he shook her hand, knowing that this confrontation could mark the beginning of a challenging rivalry between him and Sakayanagi, one that could change the course of their destinies forever.