Season 2 Episode 4
WilsontheBlackDragonofDarkness: Sorry for the long wait, work kept me very occupied and I barely had little time to write
Advanced Nurturing High School...
As of now, Summer Vacation is over but there are no classes and in the same cafe from the first episode in season 1, Ayanokouji, Horikita, Karuizawa and Yousuke are hanging out.
"Let me get this straight. The group names and our names in our respective groups during the exam were hints or actually the solutions somehow?" A surprised Karuizawa asked as Yousuke explained the details. "According to one of my senpais in the soccer club, he told me that the positions regarding the groups and our names in it are the key to the VIP identification. He went through something like that last year though the group names are different. In the end, he got Case 1."
"How impressive." Horikita commented on as, "Now take the Mars group for example. It's the fourth planet from the sun and if we list out the students in the Japanese alphabet order, Ayanokouji is first followed by Ibuki-san, Ichinose-san and finally, you."
"So that's why I'm the VIP? Because I'm fourth in the group through the Japanese alphabet order and that Mars is the fourth planet?" Karuizawa asked. "Exactly." said Horikita. "And in the Earth group, Hirata-kun was first followed by me and the third person, Kushida-san...she's the VIP."
"But isn't that system a little..."
"Simple." Ayanokouji finished Karuizawa's sentence. "Yeah! Something like that!" She agreed as, "Once you know the rule, it's simple." Horikita stated. "But figuring it out during the test won't be easy." said Yousuke. There's no way to confirm the rule just from knowing your own class's VIP. But for Ryuuen, he figured it out early and used it to his advantage."
"But he also made a mistake. Forgetting that Class C is not a monolith." Horikita stated. "Despite securing a win, Class C is still not fully under his control right?" He asked. "A dictatorship frequently fosters a populace dissatisfied with their oppressor." She replied. "The error perhaps could have come from another student not under his control. Who knows?" He asked as Ayanokouji sipped his tea wondering about it since he's eavesdropping their conversation. He then noticed Karuizawa looking at him but she looked away.
"Maintaining leadership is a challenging thing." Horikita stated. "Maybe. Still, I'm glad you came to us with this." Yousuke thanked her and it was a surprise to her. "I guess...I had no choice. We'll expect future tests coming up and I can't pass on my own."
"Very probable." He agreed. "As long as that's the case, it'll be important to have some quality of connections." She added and smiled remembering what Ayanokouji told her during the Island Exam. "Eh? Horikita, were you smiling?"
"Wh-What? I...uh..." Horikita did not expect this but, "Well...not only I need some quality of connections but I also need a quality of socialism in which I need to improve on."
"Yes indeed Horikita. There are limits to how hard one can fight alone." Ayanokouji thought as he sipped his cup of tea again when Karuizawa received a text message. "Hey guys. I gotta go."
"Going somewhere Karuizawa?" Yousuke asked.
"Mmm. I'm meeting up with Manabe and her friends at the mall. Matsushita-san and Satou-san are joining us as well." Karuizawa told them as she grabbed her stuff and left for the mall. "Her friendship has really improved..." Ayanokouji thought as he checked his phone.
The next day...
Homeroom begins with a special announcement from Chabashira-sensei. "The second term starts today. From the month of September through early October, we'll have more gym classes than usual in preparation for the upcoming Sports Festival. All details for the event are on the papers that you all have along with your new schedules. Compare them if you must."
Ayanokouji and Horikita looked at the details and Sudou had a wide grin while doing so. "Sensei! Is the Sports Festival one of the special exams?" Yousuke asked. "You can interpret it that way if you wish. Besides, this event will have a major influence on your class." She replied leaving the class surprised. "Cruelty unchained!" Sotomura groaned while Sudou cheered. Near him, Sakura, Satou, Haruka and Ijuin read through the details as the teacher continues the briefing. "In this event, the entire school will compete as Team Red and Team White. You along with Class A will be in Team Red."
"We're teaming up with Class A?" Yukimura asked as he read through the details. "Not only that, Team Red will also consist of the second and third years along with our batch..." Akito read through. "This seems annoying..." Chiaki exclaimed and Sudou still cheers about it with Kouenji smirking.
As for Horikita, she was speechless because, "Are you thinking on how you'll finally get a chance to see him?" Ayanokouji asked. "Please don't talk about that here." She demanded. "And I'm serious."
"Right..." He then continued reading as Chabashira-sensei ordered the class to continue reading through the details. "Events consist of mandatory and voluntary events." Haruka read through. "Generally speaking, voluntary events grant more points than the mandatory ones." Ayanokouji thought as, "It's important to give it your all to every event." Chabashira-sensei briefed on. "The penalty for losing is severe."
"Sensei! What's this about bonuses for the top 3 placers?" Ike asked. "And what's this about adding points to written exams?" Yamauchi asked also. "It's exactly what it sounds like." She began with a smile since diligence in knowing more about the event is seen. "By placing in the top, you'll receive bonus points in which you can use them to add up your scores in your next written exam. It'll come in handy."
This made many cheer about it. "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." Ayanokouji thought as he flipped the next page. "The lowest ten placers will receive a penalty..." He read to himself and Yamauchi and Karuizawa both noticed this also so when they asked about it, "The bottom ten placers will lose 10 points which will be deducted in your scores on their next written exam." Chabashira-sensei answered and all shrieked in shock upon hearing the bad news.
"So we'll lose points on our next exam?" Karuizawa asked.
"I knew it! I'm dead meat!" Ike exclaimed sadly.
"Bad news equal bad fortune..." Yamauchi exclaimed sadly also.
"I better score higher in the next exam..." said Satou.
"Souka..." Sakura then stood up. "This would be a disadvantage to those whose academic level is low. Should they place in the bottom 10, it'll be severe. In an exam, you score 50 but because of your performance in placing at the bottom 10, 10 marks are deducted and you score 40 instead."
"My, you weren't very shy in stating this example Sakura. Yes, that is the worst scenario should something like this happen to any one of you." Chabashira-sensei stated to the class. "In the meantime, the materials I handed out also provided a list of sports events."
Ayanokouji flipped the next page and read through the list. "13 events in total..."
Event List
Mandatory Events
1. 100 Meter Dash
2. Hurdles
3. Topple the Pole (Boys only)
4. Ball Toss (Girls only)
5. Tug-of-War (Gender Segregated)
6. Obstacle Course
7. 3-Legged Race
8. Piggyback Joust
9. 200 Meter Dash
Voluntary Events
1. Scavenger Hunt
2. Four-Way Tug-of-War
3. Co-Ed 3-Legged Race
4. Combined Class Year 1200 Meter Relay
"This is pretty hardcore." Karuizawa described. "Man, we can't cover them all in one day..." Ike complained.
"Of course you can." Chabashira-sensei. "There's no cheerleading or dance competition after all. It will be purely a test of stamina and athleticism."
"No cheerleading? Come on...I was a cheerleader back in middle school..." Satou thought. "Now if nothing else, decide for yourselves who will participate and in what order. Once done, fill in the participant sheet and submit it to me. Any questions?" Chabashira-sensei asked while concluding with the briefing.
"Yes sensei. How much are we allowed to decide on our own?" Yousuke. "Everything. You can decide everything about the events including who's in which heat. You have plenty of time for today, your entire school day will only be the planning and decision making for the event." The teacher answered as the whole class continued looking through. She then had cold gaze at the sight of Ayanokouji who just looked out through the classroom windows.
Later on...
At the hallway, Ayanokouji bought himself and Horikita some soda. Giving a can to her, they had a drink and talked. "I've realized that the island and cruise ship tests had infinite possibilities." Horikita began. "This time-"
"What do you think makes this test significantly different from the previous special tests?" Ayanokouji asked a question to her and he took a sip of his cola. "It seems like another special test to me. The structure and effect on points seems identical to the previous tests." She answered to him as she sipped her Sprite.
"That is true. On paper it's the same. But in practice, it's different." He stated. "For instance, the written exam. Although there was a hidden trick regarding buying things with points fundamentally, it was still a test of academic ability."
"You think the Sports Festival is the same way?" Horikita asked. "We should assume that stamina and athletic ability are the order of the day. Sneaky tricks won't have much bearing of the results." Ayanokouji stated as the 2 students began walking their way back to class. "The most important thing here is strict preparation for the event. That's all." He added and they stopped for a moment.
"Preparation is just what I'm talking about!" Horikita exclaimed with a frown. "You're looking for quick fixes, loopholes, shortcuts. Like having someone be absent before the competition or forcing them to dropout halfway. In other words, you want a surefire method."
Horikita wanted to oppose something regarding his words but changed her mind even removing the frown off her face. "Are you suggesting that we have to fight and win through orthodox methods?"
"It's up to you on how you take it. Lunch break is almost over so we better drink up and head back in time for the next homeroom period." He replied as they resumed their walk and drinking.
Back to Homeroom Period...
Discussion has just began with, "C'mon! We gotta do it based on skill!" Sudou declared to the whole class with Yousuke at the front and with some info written on the whiteboard for the discussion. "I know myself best of all! If I win, the class wins! That's the best for everyone! After all, my athletic ability is the highest in this class!"
While he's declaring all this, Ayanokouji is doing something with his handphone as Karuizawa and Akito expressed slight doubt about his statement. "Well if you want to take on all the voluntary events, I'm okay with that." said Yukimura as he adjusted his glasses. Sakura nodded to herself agreeing with Yukimura's words and this made Sudou more hyped enough to agree with him.
"If everyone agrees with the skill method, then the voluntary events-"
"Matte Hirata. I have a proposal to make." Horikita announced as she stood up. "Between the 2 options, I have no objection to the skill method. But there's no guarantee that we can beat the other classes alone with that."
"That's true." Yousuke agreed as, "While it's given that we should put our most athletic members in the voluntary events where they specialize, we can also bring out our maximum potential in the mandatory events through optimized combinations." Horikita spoke on and gave an example. "For instance, rather than putting 2 people with high levels of speed in a race together, eliminating one, we should pair each with a person who's level of speed is low to guarantee higher placements."
"Chotto matte! Doesn't that plan reduces the chances of non-athletic people winning anything?" Shinohara asked as she stood up to speak this matter to her. "And we'll lose our chances of getting the bonus rewards." said a worried Ike. "What a disappointment it will be." said Sotomura. "And I understand the desire to not lose private points too. Even though I have tons of it from the last special exam..." Yukimura spoke to himself while thinking also about the statements made just now. As for Ayanokouji, he's been doing nothing but fiddling with his phone.
"An ultimate class victory will benefit the individuals in the long run. Why is this an issue?" Horikita asked Shinohara. "Because high placements get us the big bonuses on our next exam! Besides, isn't quitting unfair?" She asked back. "I understand why you feel that way. But your priorities are misplaced so if I were you, I just focus on my studies to the point where I don't have to rely on the bonuses." Everyone was too confused about all this as Horikita continued on. "The bonuses are only given to the top 3 placements so it's not that much of a problem isn't it? Tell me, is there an event where you believe you can place third or higher in?" This was enough for Shinohara to silently accept defeat and sit down when, "Ah...may I?" To Horikita's surprise, Karuizawa raised her hand as Yousuke nodded at her and thus, "Horikita-san's suggestion...doesn't work for me. Sorry to tell you that."
Everyone was surprised at this as Horikita who was about to sit down remained standing now. "That's a very vague objection."
"Well I'm not as smart as you Horikita-san." Karuizawa replied with a bit of mockery as both girls fixed their glares at each other.
"I thought my proposal was entirely reasonable." Horikita stated.
"And I don't get it at all." Karuizawa replied
"What exactly don't you 'get'?" She asked her as the whole class watched the light dispute. "All of it? I guess. So how about you explain it enough for an idiot to understand clearly?" Kauirzawa asked with Shinohara staring at her in disbelief over her unexpected attitude. Horikita just sighed and remained silent as, "Oh right, the silent treatment is it? That means you don't deal with idiots." She continued on with the same level of mockery.
"I didn't say that." Horikita fought back.
"Oh really? Like what Shinohara-san said just now, how can you allow other students in our class to fail?" Karuizawa asked.
"I assure you, they'll be rewarded in the long term." She replied to her.
"And you blamed people too stupid and idiotic to pass a test on their own? How do you expect our class to unite with that sick attitude of yours?" She asked attacking Horikita really hard.
"Watch what you say. Because that was my point of suggestion." She warned her as Karuizawa made the next move and asked Kikyou about it. This was unexpected as one, she's been silent in the last homeroom period and the current one and two, she was not expected to give an explanation regarding Horikita's suggestion. So with that, "It's sort of tricky...but I feel like I understand both sides! Ideally if you like, I think you should combine both ideas. That way, the people taking first and last both feel okay about it."
A few people started to agree with her as, "Indeed I've also thought of that of course. A way for both sides to be satisfied. Have students who don't need test points to take the top places, then average out the private points they gain with the ones for the students in the bottom ranks that lost. In other words, we'll share gains and losses among the class." Horikita spoke up with Sudou supporting her idea.
"Seriously? But that's just for the points. It also lowers our chances of winning!" Karuizawa stated her opinion as she asked the whole class. "What do you guys think about it?"
Satou, Chiaki and Mii-chan supported her and this angered Horikita to the point that she criticized the whole class and in response, Karuizawa lashed at her for her suggestion and attitude causing many to agree with her. "Okay guys just calm down." Yousuke finally took the initiative. "If we can't agree, we can settle this with a vote."
"Yay! Since Yousuke-kun suggested it, I'm in!" Karuizawa cheered she sat down. Horikita also sat down as Yousuke resumed the class discussion under his leadership. "Horikita-san's idea is to focus entirely on skill while Karuizawa-san's idea is to allow personal opinion into discussion. Let's have a show of hands to do the voting."
The class is ready to vote as he began. "First, who agrees with Horikita-san's idea?"
Akito, Okitani, Ijuin, Sakura, Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi, Hondou and Yukimura raised their hands. "Uh Sudou, you don't need to raise both hands."
"Oops! My bad Hirata!" Sudou put down one hand as, "Alright then. Who agrees with Karuizawa's idea?" Yousuke asked.
Shinohara, Kokoro, Mori, Kikyou, Satou, Chiaki and Mii-chan raised their hands. Those that abstained are Miyamoto, Kayano, Sotomura, Kouenji, Haruka and Ayanokouji. "Then it's settled. Now regarding the participation for each event, let's take some dedicated time to discuss it." Yousuke spoke to the class as Sudou cheered about it. Nothing else dramatic occurred throughout the homeroom period.
After that...
By the staircase, Ayanokouji is about to go up when, "Chotto!" Down there, Karuizawa caught up with him. "That email you sent me. Mind telling me what it was all about?"
A flashback revealed that Ayanokouji's fiddling with his phone was actually a ruse for him to text a message to Karuizawa. When she opened it, it goes like this.
Find a way to oppose Horikita's suggestion. When you do, ask for Kushida's opinion too
"For starters, you cooked up a good argument on the spot just like grilling a steak with the right temperature." Ayanokouji began. "How amusing but in truth, I actually agreed with Horikita's opinion though...and I don't understand why you wanted me to get Kushida-san's opinion." Karuizawa asked with concern. "So what was the point of the order?"
"If you need to understand the reasoning behind everything I do, we'll never get anywhere." Ayanokouji told her. "Besides, I won't always tell you."
She sighed from his words but asked another question. "Then tell me one other thing. What is it that you want?"
"To bring Class D to Class A. I'm sure Horikita believes that." He replied.
"That's not what I mean! I want to know what you're after!" She asked again.
"Oh that? Well I'm happy to make the current class one capable of rising up to Class A. That's how I've begun to feel."
"What in the world? You think you're much better than us?" She asked.
"Well you won't believe me if I told you now. And I can't prove it to you." Ayanokouji stated. "So I'm going to create a framework to allow you to believe me." Karuizawa stared at him as he spoke on. "During the Sports Festival, Class D...
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"Will produce a traitor." Karuizawa gasped at what he revealed as, "The traitor will likely spill all of Class D internal information to others."
"And then, your idea for me to oppose Horikita-san...and to ask Kushida-san's opinion..." Karuizawa's eyes then widened as, "Masaka! You think that-"
"Absolutely. It might be a major possibility but I'll tell you more when the time comes for the groundwork has been laid. Now go your way before we draw too much attention here." With that, both students went their way.
The next day...
Time for some physical testing at the gym as the boys and girls tested out their level of strength starting with the aptitude test where grip devices called hand dynamometers are used for measuring the grip strength of an individual.
Karuizawa is seen recording the grip strength for the girls as Kayano started the test while Yousuke worked on recording the grip strength for the boys as Sudou yelled and did the test. "Ha! Ha! Ha! I pulled 82.4!" The boys were impressed as, "How are you so strong?" Ike asked. "I've been working out! Starting from middle school all the way to now!" Sudou replied as he tapped his arm muscles which are really firm and muscular. "By the way Kouenji, you wanna go for it?"
"I'd prefer not." He replied as he filed his nails and blew off the filth. "Ah Kouenji, all we need to do is measure our level of physical fitness. It won't take long." Yousuke spoke to him. "Sigh...very well. As long as it does not take too long." Kouenji gripped onto the device and, "What the hell? 125.5?!" The boys were too speechless as Kouenji smirked and passed the device back to Sudou. "The perfect existence always has the perfect athletic ability."
Sudou was too speechless over this as Kouenji resumed his nail filing. "Ah here Ayanokouji." He passed the device to him as he looked at it. "What's wrong bro?" Sudou asked when he noticed him not testing himself yet. "Sudou...what's the boys' average grip strength?"
"Ah? Ummm...around 60 maybe?" He replied as Ayanokouji examined the device again.
Grip strength isn't necessarily proportional to the thickness of one's arms. What matters is the muscle in the forearm called the brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis. Working these out will increase your grip strength. In other words, as long as you have sufficient muscle mass, you can train it to surpass 100 kg. Just like Kouenji who's a living example for this surpassing.
Ayanokouji then tested his grip strength and it ended up being 62.67. He then showed it to Yousuke as he gasped. "Whoa! You're really strong Ayanokouji!"
"No. I think it's around the average." He replied as he passed the device to Ike who began testing it. "Actually the average would be lower than that. It's around 45 or 50. Like Ike over there." Yousuke stated to him as they looked at Ike who only got 42.6 and he sulked about it. "Crap...I blew it." Ayanokouji thought.
After that, the class gathered as they checked the results together. Let's just say Sudou got what he wanted and is officially participating in all the voluntary events. "Now this information we just agreed on is vital. So write down only your roles for the events that you want to participate and whatever you do, no leaving of other records and picture taking." Yousuke briefed the class and ended the tests.
Late afternoon is ongoing and Class D has begun their training. Sudou trained those participating in the tug of war as he strictly thundered out his commands. Sakura was seen running laps but started to tire out shortly. And finally, Ayanokouji, Akito, Kokoro, Shinohara, Kayano and Horikita are in the midst of the 3-legged race training.
"Horikita-san you're running too fast." Kayano told her.
"It's true that our rhythm is off but only because you're too slow." She replied offending her. "Shouldn't the slower person at least try to match the rhythm of the faster?" She asked as she bent down to untie the white towel used for the tying. "Who wants to compromise to make their own timings slower?" She then walked away with the rest looking at her and Kayano felt displeased from her words.
As for Horikita, she sat on the grass to rest when Ayanokouji approached her. "Can we talk?"
"About what?" She asked listening to him.
"I think you need to learn how to compromise a little more."
"I'm only being stubborn because I want to get us the best possible timing in the three-legged race. It's logical that the relatively slower people should be made to pace." As she spoke about it, Sakura is already slowing down from her practice and Sudou gave his classmates a break as he went try out the 3-legged race with Kayano.
"So you're inflexible at this point?" Ayanokouji asked. She nodded as, "Then that will lower the number of people willing to participate with you."
"I can't match my rhythm to those who refuse to work from the start." She replied as he closed his eyes for a few seconds. And then, "Give me your leg."
"Why?" She asked. "Run a race with me." He replied. "Why should I?" She asked. "Because of the race. Why not we try assessing our suitability as partners?" He suggested.
"You think you can keep up with me? You'll also slow me down just like Onodera-san." She refused. "Logically speaking, speed shouldn't matter, should it?" He stated as she glared at him for a second and, "Very well. I'll do the tying."
While she's doing that, Sudou and Kayano just finished the race. "Wow! We are so in sync!" Kayano cheered. "Ha! Ha! Speed is also another thing I work on especially when I run around the court dribbling the ball." Sudou stated. "And don't worry, I may be fast but I also know how to put my level of speed as equal as yours." This made Kayano very happy and now, Ayanokouji and Horikita are in position.
"Ready? Let's go!" Horikita declared and they started running. And shortly thereafter, "Whoa! Wait hold up-"
"It shouldn't be hard to match my rhythm." Ayanokouji told her as they continued running.
"I know that!" She replied but also, "How is he this fast?" She thought in wonder as their other classmates observed their running until Horikita now unable to match up to his speed and rhythm almost stumbled thus making him halt the running.
After that, she sat down on the same spot as, "It's not about individual speed. The problem is you won't look at your partner. Looking at your partner and giving them a degree of initiative is what's important." Ayanokouji taught her. "Just like when we witnessed Sudou and Onodera practice the run, they are in rhythm and they check on each other. An accurate example for you to understand."
Horikita can only look at the grass and ponder about his words, "By the way, come with me and another one tomorrow, we'll embark on a reconnaissance to check on our opponents." Ayanokouji requested.
"Nani? And who's the other one?"
"Kushida." This answer made her uncomfortable but also, "Horikita, you remember what Ryuuen told you after the Cruise Ship Special Test?" Ayanokouji asked and she gasped upon remembering it. "Why did you bring this up?"
"Because I have a very strong gut feeling that...
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"Kushida will do the same thing during the upcoming event."
Ah...these past few weeks kept me busy on my job. A lot to do but little time to write. No matter, the story will continue on.
Sports Festival is soon and training has begun. Even Kouenji did the grip test in this story compared to the anime. And Karuizawa will assist Ayanokouji some more in future tasks.
Private Points List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-456,379
2. Kohei Katsuragi-989,355
3. Yahiko Totsuka-449,215
4. Masumi Kamuro-439,795
5. Masayoshi Hashimoto-437,636
6. Hayato Kito-440,379
7. Takuro Morishige-1,015,020
8. Koji Machida-1,027,343
9. Shigeru Takomoto-1,017,215
10. Miki Yamamura-438,696
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-3,220,090
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-765,580
3. Chihiro Shiranami-262,785
4. Yume Kobashi-721,266
5. Mako Amikura-271,141
6. Sou Shibata-273,326
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-854,152
8. Ryouta Beppu-843,149
9. Sayo Andou-754,207
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-681,499
2. Mio Ibuki-718,461
3. Albert Yamada-137,490
4. Daichi Ishizaki-129,342
5. Kyogo Komiya-163,292
6. Reo Kondou-170,263
7. Satoru Kaneda-179,795
8. Shiho Manabe-701,676
9. Nanami Yabu-716,289
10. Saki Yamashita-722,829
11. Rika Morofuji-149,437
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-59,137
2. Satsuki Shinohara-62,780
3. Kokoro Inogashira-68,151
4. Nene Mori-65,469
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-599,721
6. Yosuke Hirata-562,615
7. Kei Karuizawa-555,234
8. Kayano Onodera-75,785
9. Kikyou Kushida-597,413
10. Ryotarou Hondou-59,891
11. Hideo Sotomura-555,127
12. Chiaki Matsushita-61,154
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-554,652
14. Haruka Hasabe-101,103
15. Haruki Yamauchi-59,673
16. Akito Miyake-88,664
17. Wang Mei Yu-59,311
18. Kyousuke Okitani-59,929
19. Maya Satou-60,587
20. Kanji Ike-62,589
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-600,731
22. Suzune Horikita-647,785
23. Wataru Ijuin-84,994
24. Airi Sakura-65,566
25. Ken Sudou-52,798
Class Points
A-974
B-853
C-592
D-445
I also got something big for the Sports Festival. Can't spoil you much but soon you'll all see it. And I'll do what I can do to work on the next chapter and update the story. See ya!