"Horikita, it's impressive that you could compete with the track team."
Ayanokōji approached Horikita Suzune, who had just crossed the finish line, and said expressionlessly while handing her a bottle of water.
"It's not something to boast about. A student from Class D got injured, and I didn't even secure first place—only second."
Horikita took the water, gulped a few mouthfuls, and admitted the event had drained her energy. However, she seemed unsurprised by the result, as it was within her expectations.
"Maybe it was an accident, but you didn't notice the girl behind you."
As Ayanokōji spoke, his gaze shifted to the distance, where Kinoshita Minori was being helped off the track by classmates.
"She seemed like she was trying to collide with you."
"What?"
Horikita looked surprised, struggling to believe Ayanokōji's words.
Ryūen's plan was no surprise to Ayanokōji, who had anticipated such tactics. He knew Ryūen would go to great lengths to frame Horikita.
*He's not trying to injure Horikita but using Kinoshita's injury to blame her. Without intervention, Class B would suffer greatly in this exam. Ryūen could manipulate many events, like the pole-toppling contest and the women's obstacle race. Theoretically, our class should face significant failure—Sudō and Horikita are easily influenced by others and competition, which could lead to chaos or infighting.*
*But since our class remains victorious, that hasn't happened. Is this Saiki's doing? I wanted Horikita to grow here, but if Saiki's made this choice, it's unnecessary. I'll warn Horikita directly.*
Ayanokōji's thoughts focused on Horikita as he continued:
"It was probably Ryūen's order."
"During the pole-toppling contest, I noticed something off about Class D's actions. It makes sense now…"
Horikita's expression turned serious.
"But to go this far, they must've prepared extensively… And to target me on the track, they'd need someone fast enough to keep up… Kinoshita and I were in the same group—that's no coincidence."
Horikita finally realized the issue. It wasn't that Ryūen made Kinoshita act because they were grouped together; it was because Ryūen planned to target Horikita that Kinoshita was placed in her group. This was no last-minute decision.
"But… how did he know which events I participated in? Unless… Ryūen knows our class's participant list!"
Horikita's eyes widened as she processed the possibilities.
*Even in this situation, Horikita deduced the existence of a traitor. Success can sharpen one's talents just as much as adversity… Is this what Saiki wants to convey?*
'Huh? What are you talking about?'
Nearby, Saiki Kusuo, hearing Ayanokōji's thoughts, looked confused, unsure of what he meant.
Still, since Horikita now knew about the traitor and Class D's actions against her, it would reduce some of Saiki's troubles.
"There's probably a traitor in our class leaking information!"
Horikita rubbed her chin, her expression growing more serious.
"And the only person capable of this… is Kushida Kikyō."
*During the second special exam on the ship, I couldn't understand why our Dragon Group's privileged status was guessed, and other classes believed Ryūen. Now, there's only one explanation: Kushida, as a privileged student, revealed her identity.*
Horikita finally pieced everything together. The reason was clear: to get Horikita expelled.
"Will you expose this?"
Ayanokōji asked, expressionless.
"No."
Horikita shook her head firmly.
"Kushida is popular and well-connected in class. Exposing this might not only cause chaos but also disrupt class order. I was in the same middle school as Kushida, and their class collapsed one semester—likely due to her. I won't risk that."
"What's your plan?"
Ayanokōji asked.
"I'll wait until after the sports festival, then confront her directly."
"And then?"
"Kushida's actions seem targeted at me, but I admit she's highly capable. I believe she's a valuable asset for our class. If possible, I want to turn her into a force to help us reach Class A."
Horikita nodded seriously.
'Really? Even after all this, you want Kushida to help you reach Class A?'
Saiki's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He hadn't expected Horikita's plan.
"Alright."
Ayanokōji nodded.
"Next event: first-year tug-of-war. All first-year participants, gather at the center of the field."
The school's announcement echoed.
'Another group event, huh?'
Saiki sighed. Tug-of-war was one of the few events he could tolerate.
'At least I can pretend to participate without exerting myself.'
"Saiki, good luck!"
Sakura Airi said beside him.
'I don't want to try hard,' Saiki thought, but he nodded.
He headed to the gathering point, where Sudō Ken approached, smiling, and patted his shoulder.
"Saiki, great job earlier! Keep it up!"
Sudō was cheerful, as their class's main team was on a winning streak, widening the point gap between the red and white teams. Even when Class D used tactics like "horse racing" to counter Class B's weaker events, Class B still dominated. Class B's morale soared.
"Let's take this next point! Everyone, give it your all!"
Hirata Yōsuke shouted, and the others cheered.
'Such enthusiasm,' Saiki thought. 'But I won't be trying hard. If I lose control, I might pull the opponents into the air.'
"Both teams, take your positions!"
The referee's voice boomed. Saiki and the others gripped the rope.
'This rope's rough, but probably sturdier than usual,' Saiki thought.
"Let's line up by height and pull hard at the start to end it quickly," suggested Katsuragi Kōhei. Tug-of-war wasn't just about strength; strategy mattered.
"Katsuragi, what are you commanding?"
Hashimoto Masayoshi sneered beside him, glaring at Katsuragi. As a member of Sakayanagi's faction, Hashimoto always antagonized Katsuragi.
Saiki glanced at Sakayanagi Arisu, who watched silently, a knowing smile on her face.
'She's trouble, targeting Ayanokōji. She knows about the white gym,' Saiki thought, picking up fragments of her thoughts.
'As long as it doesn't involve me, I'm fine.'
"Ready!"
The referee's voice cut through the air, silencing Hashimoto and Katsuragi. Across the rope, Classes C and D looked ready.
The ABCD rankings were based on previous exams, but this sports festival was different. Students like Sudō, with poor grades, had a chance to shine.
"Go!"
The rope tightened instantly, emitting a loud sound. Both teams were evenly matched at first.
'We're holding our ground without my effort,' Saiki thought, leaning slightly to pretend he was pulling.
'If someone else were here, we'd likely be winning…'
Then, Ryūen's voice boomed from the other side.
"Don't let go, or I'll punish you—"
It wasn't just a threat; he meant it. The rope tightened, pulling the red team backward.
"Ouch!"
Ike Kanji cried out from the end of the line.
'Gripping this rough rope must hurt,' Saiki thought. 'The red team won't last, but losing this round is understandable after our earlier wins.'
Then, Saiki heard a faint sound, like something tearing. Only he could hear it, and he knew its source: his thin, transparent glove.
Saiki's psychometry allowed him to read thoughts by touching objects, but he wore a special glove to suppress it. However, the glove was fragile and had just torn from the rough rope.
'Oh no,' Saiki realized too late. His fingers touched the rope.
Instantly, the thoughts of everyone holding the rope flooded his mind.
*I don't want Ryūen to beat me!*
*I don't want Ryūen to beat me!*
*I don't want Ryūen to beat me!*
Class D's thoughts were eerily unified, and Saiki saw visions of Ryūen beating students. Not just Class D's thoughts—other classes' memories flooded in too.
Distracted, Saiki lost control of his strength—
The rope snapped.