Strategies at Play: The Leaders' Choice

The air was charged with nervousness in the classroom of the High Performance Private Academy. Students whispered to each other, exchanging theories and speculations about the upcoming special exam. Some were eager to showcase their skills, while others trembled at the uncertainty of the challenge ahead.

At the front of the room, the teachers prepared to make the announcement that would change the course of the trimester. The principal stepped forward, his expression serious but expectant, as the murmur of the room slowly faded into expectant silence.

Class 2-B was filled with anticipation as Professor Hoshinomiya Chie prepared to reveal the details of the special exam that would define the end of the year. Sitting at my desk, I watched attentively as Chie-sensei, whose constant smile and kindness were known to all in the classroom, addressed the class.

Chie: "Good morning, dear students. As you know, the end of the year is approaching, and with it, our special exam. Today, I will speak in detail about the rules and format of this challenge."

Kanzaki: (raising hand) "Can we know what will be the format of the exam, teacher?"

Chie: "Of course. This year, the exam will be called the 'Event Selection.' Each class must choose 10 unique events with set time limits. The same class cannot register two identical events in the school."

Amikura: (confused) "What happens if we fail to choose our events on time?"

Chie: "Good question. If a class does not finalize its selection before the deadline, the school will choose the events for them. Now, let's continue with the main rules."

Chie: "Each class will designate 5 official events they really want to compete in and 5 feints to deceive the opposing class. Paired classes will compete in 7 randomly selected official events."

Ichinose: "How will we ensure there's no tie during the events?"

Chie: "Ah, that's an important part. Classes must devise rules to ensure there's no 'tie' during the event. Additionally, they must describe the method in which a commander can intervene during the event if necessary."

Kobashi (raising hand): "And what about student participation?"

Chie: "Each event will require a different number of participants, excluding substitutes. The minimum number is one, and the maximum is twenty, including substitutes. Students can participate in events for a second time if all their classmates have participated in at least one event."

Shibata: "Sounds complicated."

Chie: "I know, but I trust that all of you can handle it. Additionally, each class will designate a commander responsible for event selection and intervention. Remember, the commander of the losing class will be expelled."

The class fell silent for a moment upon realizing how serious it would be to lose this exam.

Chie: "It's important that you understand all the rules and prepare adequately. I'm here to help with whatever you need. Let's make this exam a success for our class!"

Shibata: "Yeah!! Let's win!"

Kobashi: "We'll do our best on this exam!"

Ando: "Let's crush the class we face!"

Apparently, Chie-sensei's last words raised the class's morale, which was quite good since everyone was more determined to win.

Kanzaki: "Teacher, when will the special exam take place?"

Chie: "Just about that, Kanzaki-kun. March 8th will mark the official start of the exam. On that day, the details of the event will be announced, the commander of our class will be chosen, and pairings with other classes will be decided."

A mix of excitement and anxiety permeated the air as students absorbed the information provided by the teacher.

Chie: "March 15th will be the day we learn about the 10 specific events we will compete in, along with the corresponding rules for each."

Determined looks crossed between the students as they processed the importance of the information shared by Chie.

Chie: "Finally, the exam itself will take place on March 22nd. All selected events will be held on the same day, so it's crucial that you're prepared to face any challenge that comes your way."

A combination of excitement and resolve shone in the students' eyes as they assimilated the magnitude of the challenge that awaited them. With guidance from Professor Chie and support from their classmates, they were ready to face the special exam with confidence and determination.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Professor Chie's announcement about the special exam, my classmates Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Amikura approached me with determined expressions on their faces. I accepted their invitation to meet after classes to discuss our strategies for the upcoming challenge.

Once classes were over, we met outside the classroom and agreed to head to the dormitory. With determined steps, we walked through the corridors, eager to begin our strategic meeting.

Arriving at the dormitory, we sat around the table, ready to start our discussion. Ichinose, as always, took the lead.

Ichinose: "Ayanokouji-kun, we need to carefully plan our strategy for the special exam. Are you ready to work together on this?"

I nodded with conviction, aware of the importance of our collaboration. "Yes, definitely. We need to think about which events we will select as official and how we will use our feints to deceive the other classes."

Kanzaki: "I agree. We also need to consider how we can highlight our strengths as a class and minimize our weaknesses in the selected events."

Amikura: "Furthermore, we must be prepared for any eventuality. We need to think about all possible situations we could face and how we will respond to them."

Focused on the task ahead, we began to discuss and plan our strategies. I recognized the importance of working together as a team and was determined to do everything possible to achieve victory in the special exam.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the cold night enveloped the campus, a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the fresh scent of dew-drenched grass. The sky was tinged with a deep dark blue, dotted with twinkling stars that shyly shone in the darkness. A bright moon rose majestically overhead, casting its soft light over the nocturnal landscape.

Inside the dormitory, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, illuminated by the soft light of night lamps. The sound of students' voices filled the space, full of determination and anticipation as they discussed their plans for the special exam.

At the end of our meeting, the night seemed to embrace us with its tranquility, inviting us to return to our rooms and rest. With curfew approaching, it was time to end our discussion and retire to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Amikura exchanged farewells as they prepared to leave. Their expressions reflected a mix of determination and hope, ready to face the challenges that awaited them in the days to come.

"Goodnight, Ayanokouji-kun," Ichinose said with a warm smile.

"Have a good night, Ayanokouji," Kanzaki added with a friendly gesture.

And finally, Amikura closed with a soft whisper, "I hope you have a peaceful night, Ayanokouji-kun."

With those words, we bid farewell, and each headed to our destination, ready to rest and recharge for the challenges ahead.

After concluding our first meeting to consider strategies and possible events to implement, it was clear that, being the first one, immediate decisions would not be made. We would need the input of our classmates and evaluate in which fields they excelled.

Just as I was closing the door after bidding farewell to the others, I heard a soft knock. Upon opening it, I found someone unexpected, or perhaps not so much.

"Good evening, Ayanokouji-kun," she greeted me with a smile.

"Good evening, Sakayanagi. What brings you here just before curfew?" I inquired.

"I apologize for coming unannounced, but it's a matter I want to discuss as soon as possible," she replied.

"That's fine. Would you like to come in?" I offered.

"I appreciate the gesture, but I don't think it's necessary. I'll be brief, and besides, it wouldn't look good for our reputation if anyone sees me leaving your room during curfew, would it?" she said with a mischievous smile.

"I understand. So, what did you want to tell me?" I asked.

"As you probably suspect, it's about the special exam. I want to confirm some things about our match," she explained.

"Won't the matchups be decided randomly?" I questioned.

"Don't try to dodge it, Ayanokouji-kun. Despite being random, there's no rule saying we can't arrange our matchup. Of course, we'd have to convince Ryuuen-kun and Horikita-san to agree, but I think that's the least of our worries," she pointed out.

"I suppose you're right. And what about the commander role? Do you want me to take it?" I asked.

"Although that would be the most feasible, you're free to be or not to be. As long as you give the orders, it doesn't matter. But there's something I want us to do," she said.

"And what would that be?" I inquired.

"To face each other in a specific event, chess," she revealed.

"I have no problem with that event. Anything else?" I asked.

"While you participate in chess, I have no problems with what you do. After all, I want to defeat the person who made me love this game so much," she expressed with a smile.

"Alright, I have no issues with that," I agreed.

"Very well, Ayanokouji-kun, that would be all. I look forward to a great match with you. Goodnight," she bid farewell, retreating.

After Sakayanagi said her goodbyes and left, I remained silent for a moment, reflecting on our brief conversation. Her relaxed and confident attitude, allowing me to make decisions regarding the special exam as long as I fulfilled her request, made me think about the nature of arrogance and how it can cloud our judgment.

"Arrogance sometimes makes us believe we have total control," I muttered to myself. "But in reality, it prevents us from seeing the big picture and evaluating all possibilities."

With that lesson in mind, I prepared to go to sleep and face the challenges that lay ahead.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the blink of an eye, two days vanished into thin air, as if the clock had decided to accelerate its march towards March 8th. This day promised to be crucial, marking the moment when our class had to select the leader who would guide us in battle and discover who we would face in the upcoming challenge. However, amidst the seemingly random anticipation, a web of prearranged agreements and calculated strategies hid.

Yesterday, a message from Sakayanagi altered the course of things, revealing that Ryuuen had agreed to face Horikita. The fact that Ryuuen, known for his cunning and tenacity, had agreed to this showdown raised questions about how Sakayanagi had achieved such a persuasion feat. But then I remembered the history between Ryuuen and Class D. Ryuuen had suffered defeats against them on previous occasions, which possibly fueled a sense of revenge within him. This situation was not only personal but also had strategic implications.

Ryuuen's resentment towards Class D, mostly because of me, had become a strategic advantage for me and Sakayanagi. By agreeing to face Horikita, Ryuuen had granted Sakayanagi and me unrestricted tactical freedom. This preexisting enmity allowed Sakayanagi and me to plan our moves more flexibly and without Ryuuen's direct influence.

Thus, amidst the complexity of relationships and motivations between the classes, emerged a strategic opportunity we couldn't ignore. Cunning and diplomacy became our allies in this power game, where every move had to be carefully calculated to ensure our success in the next stage of the special exam.

In Class B's classroom, the atmosphere was tense but filled with palpable energy as everyone gathered to discuss who would assume the role of leader. The students' gazes met with expectation and some nervousness, aware of the importance of this decision.

Ichinose, with her usual warm and serene smile, stepped forward. "I believe it would be best for our class if I assume the role of commander. I have a protection point, so even if we were to lose, no one would be expelled," she proposed firmly and confidently.

There was a murmur of approval among the students. Kanzaki was the first to speak up, "Ichinose is right. Her protection point is an important strategic advantage. Plus, she has always been a natural leader for us."

Amikura nodded eagerly. "Yes, Honami-chan has shown time and time again that she can lead us very well. There's no one more suitable for this role."

Most of the students shared this sentiment. From the start, many had already considered voting for Ichinose because of her reliability and leadership ability, qualities she had consistently demonstrated. The discussion quickly turned into a general consensus, with everyone showing their support for her.

"We're with you, Ichinose," Shibata said, expressing the collective sentiment of the class. "We know you'll be able to lead us well, as you have done so far."

Ichinose thanked them for their confidence with a nod, feeling the weight of responsibility but also the confidence of her classmates. "Thank you all for your trust. I promise to do my best to ensure we emerge victorious in this special exam."

With the decision made, Class B felt more united and focused. Ichinose's choice as commander not only gave them a tactical advantage but also strengthened their morale and determination to face the challenges ahead. With her at the helm, they were confident they could overcome any obstacle and fight for victory.

With leadership decided, the next step was to prepare the strategies and select the events in which they would compete, relying on Ichinose's guidance to lead them to success.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 8th The day had arrived. March 8th marked the official start of the special exam. The leaders of each class gathered in a classroom designated by the teachers, a space reserved and isolated from the curious eyes of the rest of the students. Tension hung in the air as they prepared for the selection ceremony.

Inside the classroom, four teachers awaited with serious expressions. In front of them, a small box adorned with a red ribbon rested on a table. Inside it, four slips of paper would decide the fate of the classes.

Ichinose, Horikita, Ryuuen, and Sakayanagi exchanged glances, aware of the gravity of the moment. The future of their classes hinged on this decision.

Hoshinomiya-sensei, with her usual smile, stepped forward to explain the rules once again. "Good morning, leaders. As you know, today you will determine the classes that will face each other in the special exam. In the box are four slips of paper: three white and one red. Whoever draws the red slip will have the opportunity to choose the class they want to face. That class cannot refuse. Now, please, approach and put your hand in the box at the same time."

The leaders advanced, each one aware of the weight of the decision. They reached out their hands towards the box and, with a brief exchange of glances, simultaneously inserted their hands.

The classroom fell silent as the leaders retrieved their papers. Tension mounted as they unfolded the small scraps of paper.

Ichinose was the first to open hers: white. Horikita and Sakayanagi did the same and found white papers as well. It all depended on Ryuuen. With a smirk of superiority, he opened his slip of paper and revealed the red color.

"Well, it seems I have the privilege of choosing," Ryuuen said with a satisfied smile. "After thinking it over a bit, I've decided that my class will face... Class D."

Horikita stared at him, unfazed. "I accept the challenge."

Ryuuen leaned towards her, his smile growing more arrogant. "I hope you're ready, Suzune. This time there won't be any more miracles for your class. We'll crush them."

Horikita maintained her firm gaze. "We'll see."

The teachers took note of the decision, and Hoshinomiya-sensei spoke again. "So, it's decided. Class C will face Class D. Classes A and B will compete against each other."

Sakayanagi and Ichinose exchanged a respectful glance. "May the best class win," Ichinose said with a smile.

"Of course," Sakayanagi responded, also smiling.

With the selection completed, the leaders exited the classroom, each one carrying a new burden on their shoulders. Ichinose headed towards her class, ready to inform her classmates and begin the final preparations. The atmosphere in the academy was more intense than ever, and everyone knew that the next few days would be crucial.