All or Nothing
By : rainy26541
...
V2 Chapter 5
Intro
The sports festival continued on as normal after the 1 hour lunch break. All classes participated in their chosen events, trying their hardest to win the competition points they sought after. It was safe to say that every class was competitively trying to win for the high stake rewards...
...Almost every class.
Class 2B had a mix of results, more so than any other classes on the sports festival table. Most of its participants hadn't really done well in their events, but it wasn't due to the fact that they couldn't aim for first place. It was more of the fact that they weren't trying in the first place.
Whether it was Kei and Haruka, or Satou and Shinohara, or Akito and Keisei, or even Hirata and Matsushita, they competed and participated in a lackluster manner to ensure they gained minimum results, but not ones where it would help them gain a higher position. This was Kiyotaka's orders to them as their commander.
However, there were students in Class B that were aiming for victory. Sudou and Onodera, being the class's MVPs, were the most notable. But there were other students, such as Kouenji and Horikita, who tried to make sure they got first place in as many events as possible. Naturally, Kiyotaka took this into account.
The standings right now had not changed for Class 2B. They were still in 3rd place, behind Ichinose's Class C and Ryuuen's Class D, but above Arisu's Class A. When looking at the class rewards for the current standings, Class B wasn't in a bad position, but they weren't in a good one either. The midpoint, in essence, was where they were at concurrently.
By the time the clock reached 2:30pm, the general events for the sports festival ended, and this marked the start of the most important part of the sports festival which would run until 4pm, the end of the sports festival.
The Commander Events.
"All Commanders stand up from your cubicles and make your way outside to the main concourse so we can begin the Commander Events."
Hearing that announcement, Kiyotaka stood up from his seat and exited the cubicle. At the same time, Kanzaki, Katsuragi and Arisu exited the cubicles directly next to him too. They all turned to each other... or it would be more accurate to say they all turned to Kiyotaka, which he noticed immediately.
Kanzaki slowly approached Kiyotaka.
"This will be a good chance for you to show us all what you're actually capable of. You are definitely hiding most of your abilities for reasons unknown. I heard about this bet you have with the Student Council President and I know you won't take that lightly. Just know that I'll be analysing you carefully while also trying to get good positions in these events. If you're too dangerous, I will warn Ichinose, even if you are helping her for the better. But... I will at least thank you for helping her even if I do find out that you are dangerous."
Kiyotaka didn't have a response to this declaration, but it didn't mean Kanzaki was going to sit by and wait for one. Kanzaki walked away, making his way to the exit. Katsuragi, who also watched that little spectacle, also walked up to Kiyotaka and spoke to him.
"Ryuuen has said a lot of interesting things about you, Ayanokouji. I have still yet to see you in action, so I will also be watching you carefully too. It's not that I don't trust Ryuuen's word, but I want to see your abilities first hand for myself."
With that, Katsuragi also left the hall to head to their dedicated location for the Commander Events. Thinking about it, both Kanzaki and Katsuragi were very cautious individuals in their classes. It would be inevitable that they would be careful learning about Kiyotaka's abilities. As Kiyotaka watched him leave also, he heard a giggle from his side.
"You've got even more people watching you carefully, Ayanokouji-kun. Are you really enjoying that much attention on you?" Arisu sarcastically asked, knowing what he would answer with.
"No, not really. But it's a necessary expense for what I want. So I'm just putting up with it."
"Fufufu. I must say, for someone who has had lots of attention on him since the moment he became the prodigy of the White Room, it's weird to still hate all the attention. But then again, you are someone who wants to have a normal life, so I guess it's an inevitable trait."
People changed. While one may have been used to all the attention they got when they were growing up, because personalities and characters develop as one grows older, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the one thing they were used to and loved now be something they get shy at and hate.
Saying nothing else for now, Kiyotaka began walking towards the exit with Arisu following just behind slowly. As they walked towards the main concourse, Kiyotaka decided to start up a conversation.
"Come to think of it, what are you going to do about the Commander Events here? You aren't able to participate because of your condition, right?"
"Ah, yes. It is true that I won't be able to participate in the Commander Events. For that reason, a rule does exist where I can get someone in my class to participate in my place," she began to explain. "However, I don't plan on using that rule and I'll just call a forfeit. Hashimoto-kun would have been the one I chose but since he can't run up against you, Yagami-kun and Nagumo-senpai, and the fact that my Class A is in last place, I just don't see a point in just participating. There are more important things I think we should worry about."
"A wise decision, I guess."
Their conversation ended there as they continued to saunter to the main concourse in comfortably content silence. The autumn October breeze blew past their hairs. This felt a lot better than continuing the conversation. It was almost like they were conversing with the wind itself.
Soon after, the two finally arrived at the main concourse and found both the chosen Commanders of the sports festival, their classmates and the spectators. Of course, the Commander Events were the only events that were happening now, so that meant all the other students could only sit and watch.
Looking around, Kiyotaka saw all of his classmates had gathered together and his eyes instinctively landed on Kei. He saw her cute smile, one of utmost love, belief and confidence. Kiyotaka knew he would have to keep up to that belief and reputation.
"Welcome Commanders. Hope you all have been doing well managing your fighters in the main events. But now before we end this year's sports festival, it is your turn to participate as fighters. You all will participate in 3 events and try to aim for an overall standing to earn competition points for your classes. Note that this won't be split between years so all of you will compete for the one reward."
One of the teachers began to explain the details of the Commander Events. Kiyotaka and the rest of the Commanders listened carefully to them. Although, Kiyotaka felt two gazes on him, one of amusement and one of extreme hatred. He knew exactly who these people were and decided not to let them bother him too much.
"We will shortly begin with your first event, which will be held at the archery stands. The first event will be archery. The events after that will be badminton and an obstacle triathlon. Rules for the archery event will be explained at the archery stands. Please make your way there and the event will begin in 5 mins."
With that, the teachers left and began turning towards the direction of the archery stands, the exact place where archery club members like Akito practised during their club. Slowly, everyone else, the spectating classmates and visitors, the other teachers and the elected Commanders followed.
Kiyotaka stayed within the group. However, he immediately felt a presence of one of the people who stared at him earlier during the teacher's explanation. Not even bothering to turn to him, Kiyotaka spoke up to talk.
"Is there something you need, President?"
Nagumo smirked after being addressed by Kiyotaka.
"I just came to say you should be ready for your defeat, Ayanokouji. But do entertain me a little bit, otherwise this win won't be fun for me."
He was really confident that he would win. Whether that was because he had a plan set up similar to the one he had in the Mixed Training Camp or the one in the more recent Uninhabited Island exam, Kiyotaka didn't know. But he believed Nagumo was being too overconfident, which in reality was part of his nature.
"Should you really be this overconfident in your win, Senpai? Those that are too overconfident in their abilities tend to fall from grace quicker."
For the first time in quite a while, Nagumo's expression changed from his confident smirk to a wary one. He was definitely expecting some kind of response from Kiyotaka, but the response Kiyotaka had actually given him was not the one he was expecting. He then returned to his smirk and replied again.
"Very interesting. While you are correct in saying that those who are too overconfident fall in the end, that only applies to people who think they're as hot as the sun or as powerful as a meteor when in reality they are not. You shouldn't classify me as one of those wannabe reachers. I am baffled you would think of me as one. You'll see where I stand as compared to others." He said as his answer.
[Aren't you just describing yourself? Well, whatever. I'll show you where you actually stand, since you wanted to battle with me this badly.] Kiyotaka thought in his head, not wanting to say it out loud.
Kiyotaka's silence annoyed Nagumo as a frown appeared on the latter's face. He was likely expecting Kiyotaka to retort again but got nothing in return. Losing interest, he walked on ahead but not without saying "don't disappoint me".
As he walked off, Kiyotaka brought his attention to the eavesdropper who held himself back.
"Is there something you need, Yagami?"
Hearing his name called out, Takuya walked over to be beside Kiyotaka, walking side by side with him.
"I couldn't help but listen to your conversation with Student Council President Nagumo-senpai. I apologise for doing so. But didn't you want to say something else back to him? You looked like you wanted to, but you ended up just staying quiet. Do you think you'll be alright?"
"Saying something back to Nagumo would just be trivial and useless. Besides, I have confidence in my abilities so I'll be alright."
"Is that so? Well, I'm not involved in your battle with Nagumo-senpai, but I can't let you two hog the spotlight. For my class, I need to win these events so I can help them get higher."
Of course, while Kiyotaka and Nagumo were definitely going to be the highlights with these Commander Events, there were the other capable students as well. Kanzaki, Katsuragi, and of course, Yagami from first year. With that in mind, Kiyotaka decided to make a push.
"Are you sure you're not involved?"
"I beg your pardon, Senpai?"
Takuya showed an expression of confusion. He likely wasn't expecting what was about to come next. Kiyotaka stopped walking, allowing the group heading for the archery stands to continue on ahead. Since this involved something very topical, he didn't want anyone else to hear this. Takuya also stopped a little bit further ahead of him. As soon as the others were out of sight and earshot, Kiyotaka continued on with his onslaught.
"How long are you going to keep pretending you know nothing, Yagami Takuya? No. Rather, should I call you, the White Room's other Enforcer sent to expel me from this school?"
"..."
Takuya's silence was ominous. It was enough proof to Kiyotaka that his theory was correct, though he didn't need this proof anyway.
"...Heh. I guess you would figure it out, Masterpiece of the White Room. Both Ichika and I knew you would. But might I ask you to entertain me in explaining how you came to that conclusion?"
"When you first introduced yourself after Housen and Nanase came to our class to cause trouble, you went to Kushida, saying you were a student at her middle school. Kushida's nature in wanting to be friends with everyone would lead her to remember everyone who was in her class or at her school, even if you were a year above or below her. However, even though she acted, I could tell she didn't remember you at all so it was suspicious."
Hearing Kiyotaka's explanation, Takuya felt quite amused. Kiyotaka continued on.
"And while Amasawa did reveal herself as being the White Room student sent to expel me, Tsukishiro left out a detail saying there was definitely another person working behind the scenes that he brought into this school. After further inspection, and after watching Kushida both before and after the recent unanimous vote special exam, I came to the conclusion that the other White Room student is none other than you, Yagami Takuya."
Takuya raised his hands and applauded with a slow ominous clap, one only a super villain would give to their nemesis once they figured out their plans. Kiyotaka only wondered how amused Takuya really was by this explanation.
"You really aren't called the 'Masterpiece' without a reason. Though that should be expected. So can I assume you know what I'm after?"
His eyes changed from the calm, warm green eyes to White Room ice-like. If one were to compare how quickly they changed, the best example would be to use the country of Canada and how it changed from hot to cold seasons quickly. While this would easily scare a normal individual, Kiyotaka could not be considered normal, so he took on the gaze without a feel for the world.
"I would like to say that you want to have me expelled, but you haven't shown any indication that you actually want to expel me. So I can't say I know what you are after."
If Takuya really did want to expel Kiyotaka from this school, he would leverage Kushida's usefulness for that goal more than he already had done. Or he would try to take advantage of the bounty on Kiyotaka's head more, or the fact that Nagumo was after him too. So if it wasn't that, what was Takuya truly after?
Seeing the gears in Kiyotaka's head looking to ask that question, he let out a smirk before it turned to the darkest expression Kiyotaka had ever seen from a White Room student since Shizuku and him were the last few remaining.
"You are lavaged with praise for being the one who always matched... no... exceeded the instructor's expectations, all the while just showing you never cared at all about it. That earned you the title of the 'Demonic Masterpiece of the White Room'. Hey, Senpai. What do you think happens when someone like me, a Masterpiece in my own generation, gets constantly bashed by the instructors to be at Senpai's level even when I'm already the best?"
Expectations were always an issue. Kiyotaka knew this already from understanding the Horikita siblings' situation. However, when in situations like that, if the end result went badly, it always went one of two ways. One would be what Horikita Suzune and Horikita Manabu ended up like, where the achiever tries to match expectations fully by becoming exactly like achieved and ultimately resulting in the achieved distancing themselves from the achiever.
As for the other...
"Of course, not only do they keep trying to do better than the expectations, they begin to grow hatred for the very person who had set these expectations. In my case, I can't help but not only hate you, but want to destroy you and show everyone that I am the true Masterpiece of the White Room."
The feeling of wanting to destroy the one who made you who you were today. The feeling of wanting to destroy the person who destroyed how you would look to be as you grew up. The feeling of wanting to destroy the person who, simply put, was considered a saint in the place you stayed at. All of these feelings were being projected into Takuya's now ice cold eyes.
Seeing them inevitably reminded Kiyotaka of his own generation of White Room students. Back when he had changed his view of people, his personality, everything about himself so he could survive in the White Room, the people around him, like Takuya, had grown jealous and frustrated at his constant success and change. The person who best reflected Takuya in the Demonic 4th Generation was none other than the boy who kept attacking Kiyotaka - Giichi.
If Kiyotaka still rocked the full extent of his White Room persona to this day, he just wouldn't care about people trying to do better than him or trying to constantly attack him, as long as he alone survived. While part of that persona still roamed through his body, it was not the prominent personality his body and brain were asking him to showcase.
"I see. So that's your answer? But I don't intend to go back to the White Room, nor do I intend to continue to be that man's 'Masterpiece'. So you can aim to become that 'Masterpiece' if you so desire and if you're still hell bent on being in the White Room, you won't have to worry about me returning."
Therefore, his response was as such. Takuya's expression did not change as he gave a reply.
"Senpai. Senpai. Did you not just listen to any of what I just said? It's not about whether you're in the White Room or not, it's about the expectations you leave. While you may claim about not wanting to return back, the expectations you set will always return and never leave. Those expectations. I can't forgive you for setting them, so I'm going to beat you and show that I'm the real Masterpiece of the White Room. That's all I want."
Takuya wasn't budging. However, Kiyotaka anticipated he wouldn't budge. Takuya had already been messing with Kiyotaka enough that it would be stupid to just give up now.
"And it can't be half-assed too. It must be a complete victory between two strong White Room students, which means that you also need to go all out. So even though you're going to fight Nagumo-senpai here too, the real battle will be between me and you. It's only three events, but I'll show you that I'm the better White Room Masterpiece. So don't you hold back or you will regret it."
With everything he wanted to say now out of his mouth, Takuya walked off to join the rest of the Commanders at the archery range. Kiyotaka stood still in the same spot, watching his supposed White Room enemy leave. It took a couple more seconds before he sighed and continued on his walk to join the rest.
[Of course, I don't intend to hold back against you or Nagumo anymore. Since you two really want to defeat me badly, I'll show you where you both stand compared to me. It may just be small sport events, but this will be enough to discern you from continuing to go after me. After all, I have more important things to focus on rather than tiny spiders looking to annoy a homeowner.]
.
.
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Part 1
"For this archery event, you will be split into 4 groups, which will mean three heats. All four of you will simply shoot the targets as they come up. You will have to be quick shooting them because the first person who hits them will be the only person to gain the points since once hit, they will retract. You will try to shoot as many targets as you can in the space of 150 seconds. Is that understood? Any questions?"
The teacher, who in the end turned out to be 2nd Year Class A's teacher Mashima Tomonari, explained the premise of the archery event. Kiyotaka, and the rest of the Commanders shook their heads, indicating they all understood and had no further questions for a simple event.
"Good. Now, there are only 11 of you as Second Year Class A as abstained from participating in the Commander Events. Please listen as we now announce your groups. The first group will start once we finish the announcement."
After some time, the first group moved up to the archery stands, bow, quiver and arrows rocking their bodies. The first group consisted of notable people such as Tsubaki Sakurako from First Year Class C and Ishigami from First Year Class A. Katsuragi from Second Year Class D was also part of the group while the final student was a fodder Third Year Class D student.
"Take arms!"
The four of them raised their bows, their first arrow loaded into them, and aimed towards the field of targets ready to shoot them down upon Mashima's order. The targets raised themselves, ready to be shot down.
"Begin!"
The first bout began and the four students shot their arrows at the targets as fast as they could. Kiyotaka silently watched the "battle" in front of him. He knew it was a little weird and mostly unneeded at the moment, but he couldn't help but analyse every single thing that was happening in that bout.
Out of the four of them, Kiyotaka noted Tsubaki from First Year Class C was the one with a near perfect form, allowing her to effectively aim and shoot the arrows at the targets quicker and more accurately than her opponents. He never asked Akito about this, but Kiyotaka was sure that Akito would mention someone like Tsubaki if she was in the archery club. The fact that he didn't likely meant that she wasn't in the archery club despite having a little bit of experience.
Katsuragi also had a pretty decent form, however his aim wasn't the best. Compared to Tsubaki, he took longer to shoot, likely because he was being cautious with aim, making sure it was directly where he wanted it to go and there were no external variables hindering his decision to shoot.
Ishigami from First Year Class A was pretty much in the same situation as Katsuragi, though he wasn't as cautious as the bald man was. The third year... It was best not to talk about his situation.
"Hm? I saw you earlier in the special building when we were commanding our classes and I knew I'd see you again here. But seeing you like this is kinda different. Funny in a way. Haha."
Hearing a mature voice behind him, Kiyotaka turned to face the person calling out to him. It was a Third Year girl with long platinum blonde hair running down all the way to just the hem of her skirt and crimson red eyes. Her narrow eyelashes yet smirking and confident attitude were an easy feature to notice and it was one that made her well known across the third years, to the point where she was compared to Kiyotaka's own classmate Kouenji.
It was none other than Kiryuuin Fuuka from Third Year Class B.
"Kiryuuin-senpai is also a Commander for her class? I didn't notice. I also didn't think you would take the role."
"Fufufu. How rude, Ayanokouji. I saw you analysing all the Commanders in the special hall and glanced at me before we started the sports festival, so that excuse won't work. Really, you should've just said something like: 'Uwah! It's Kiryuuin-senpai! The amazing and powerful senpai who assisted me with my fight against the Acting Director!' Then I would've given you some hugs and kisses if I was feeling nice."
"Please don't say anything unnecessary, Senpai. You know fully well I wouldn't say something like that. It would cause trouble for me in more ways than one."
Ignoring the fact it would expose a part of his private matters, Kiryuuin also knew that Kiyotaka was dating Kei. The whole school knew at this point. If Kei heard something like that, she was sure to plan a murder routine against Kiryuuin using some of the knowledge of acting inconspicuous she gained from working with Kiyotaka as his partner for a long time. Realising this fact, Kiryuuin laughed for a bit before returning back to normal and speaking again.
"On your second point though, I didn't either. I just wanted to not be a part of this sports festival because I couldn't care less about the competition anymore. But Kiriyama and the rest didn't want to lose points because I wasn't participating, so they forced me to be the Commander. I'm not complaining, because now that I know you're here, this makes my choice even better."
"I see..."
He didn't know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. However, since Kiryuuin knew about his abilities somewhat, there was nothing else he could really do other than just accept the situation and deal with her curiosity on him.
[Come to think of it, this could play to my advantage if I play it well. Perhaps I'll ask her later.] He thought.
"Back to what I was saying earlier, it's the first time I've seen you a little different to how you usually are. You look like a curious 5 year old seeing something for the first time, though all you're really doing is analysing them to see what you can use for yourself, right?"
She brought him back to reality with that question. Kiyotaka could only turn towards her and nod, but cursed himself for letting a part of his White Room curiosity nature show off there accidentally. However, he seemed to have gotten lucky as it didn't interest Kiryuuin as much as Kiyotaka thought it might have. He inwardly sighed in relief realising this.
"Who knows."
"Well whatever. I heard you have a bet with Nagumo to battle in these Commander Events. Fufufu. I hope you entertain me and defeat him. Even though we're competing against each other here, I'll be watching you carefully to see whether you're even more amusing than I think you are. I've already seen your fighting abilities so surely you won't disappoint everyone and not showcase them."
By the time their conversation ended, the whistle blew to mark the end of the first bout. When the two of them turned back to face the first group of Commanders, they saw the inevitable victory for Tsubaki. Unsurprisingly, she garnered cheers from her own first year class, a few of the spectators and, surprisingly, a few other first years and quite a lot of boys. Looking directly at Tsubaki, the latter of the cheerers were likely charmed by Tsubaki's lollipop licking nature which made her look sexy in a way.
Feeling Kiyotaka's gaze on her, Tsubaki turned towards him. When their eyes met, Tsubaki's eyes narrowed, causing Kiyotaka to raise his eyebrows wondering why she did so.
"The first bout is now over. We shall now announce the second group. Can Yagami Takuya, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Nagumo Miyabi and Kiryuuin Fuuka come up to be part of the second bout."
However, as his name was called, he immediately broke the eye contact he had with Tsubaki and prepared himself for his archery round, walking over to the stands that Tsubaki was only now walking away from.
"Fufufu. I hope to see you destroy Nagumo here, Ayanokouji. I'll just be playing normally, not intending to win against someone interesting like you," Kiryuuin said as she walked with Kiyotaka to the stands.
"Then I hope you enjoy the show, Senpai. On another note, can I ask you for a favour for later?"
At that, Kiryuuin stopped walking, causing Kiyotaka to do the same and turn around. He didn't fail to notice the surprise in her expression which later reverted to an amused smirk, one which looked a little different to the one her character usually portrayed.
"Oh? Now this is an interesting development. The Ayanokouji is asking me for a favour? Well, I'm amused to find out what it is. What would you like to ask a sexy senpai to do? Something lewd, I wonder?"
"Again, Senpai. Please do not cause any unnecessary trouble for me," Kiyotaka replied dejectedly, causing Kiriyuuin to laugh again. "But I can't talk to you about it here or for quite some time. Though, I would like to request your number so that when the day does come, I can get in contact with you to ask if you are willing to take it on."
"Hmmm? Sounds very interesting and amusing. Very well. When the sports festival ends, come see me by the Third Year dorms and I'll hand over my number to you. I must say, I am very curious to see what you will ask of me though."
Gaining her approval, Kiyotaka thanked her and the two finally arrived at the front stands for the archery event. Takuya. Kiyotaka. Nagumo. Kiriyuuin. Just as Mashima had announced, this was the order from left to right in which they took their stands.
Seeing the bow on the ground, Kiyotaka picked it up and wore the strap around him so that it wouldn't fall on the floor. The quiver holding the arrows was clipped to the ground at a horizontal angle, allowing the arrows to be quickly picked up and discharged at the targets immediately according to the archer's abilities.
"Take aim!"
The four of them raised their bows. Following practice with Akito and listening to the advice he gave, Kiyotaka held the bow not too tightly but not too lightly, enough to feel relaxed. Fingers placed on the front area and the knuckles tapered away at a 45 degree angle. The arrow was placed in the holder, and the string was drawn, ready to be immediately discharged.
"Be ready to lose, Ayanokouji. Though do make this entertaining." Kiyotaka heard Nagumo say to his right.
"I'll show you I'm the real masterpiece." He also heard Yagami mumble to his left.
However, for Kiyotaka. Their requests, their declarations, meant absolutely nothing. Because in the end...
[I'll be the one winning today...]
"Begin!"
Immediately as Mashima made the announcement, the four of them let loose the arrows they had all prepared. Each aimed for different targets, all of which managed to hit the very middle to score the most points.
As more targets began to rise, ready to be shot down, the four participants continued to ready their bows and advance their aim and shots. As per her statement, Kiryuuin was barely trying, wanting to just play a tiny bit and witness the competition between the three boys next to her.
Looking to her side, she easily saw Nagumo trying his best to quickly aim and shoot the targets. But it was apparent to her that Nagumo wasn't exactly the best at doing that. Of course, he managed to hit the targets and did so as quickly as he could manage, but his aim on the targets was all over the place. One of his shots would get close to the middle golden part of the target, gaining him at least 5 points. However, others managed to hit the bluer areas, causing him to only gain 2 or 3 points. Somehow, he managed to miss the red area which would've allowed him to gain 4 points.
Looking at his form, although it wasn't exactly bad, he had a decent enough form that would've allowed him to garner more of the red areas rather than the bluer parts. However, this didn't happen likely because of the two boys to his left side.
Kiyotaka and Takuya were competing beyond what people thought they were capable of. The two of them had really good forms, not as good as the one Tsubaki had showcased but still really good to allow them to aim and fire their bows in quick succession. Each arrow they fired stabbed either directly in the middle of the 5 point golden area or just nearby hitting the 4 point red area.
In Kiyotaka's case, he had to thank the times he watched Akito during his club. In addition to watching him, Akito also gave Kiyotaka a chance to practise archery during their club thanks to approval from their club leader. Though, when Kiyotaka thought about it, since the club leader was a third year, he probably only allowed Kiyotaka an opportunity to practise because he thought he could monitor Kiyotaka this way based on Nagumo's orders.
One after another, the targets went down. It became even harder for Nagumo and Kiryuuin to try and hit the targets for their own point collection. Understanding this, Nagumo clicked his tongue as he tried harder to quickly secure targets and gain more points.
However, at this point, it became a dual battle between the two White Room students, Kiyotaka and Takuya. Noticing this, the audience began watching and cheering in anticipation. Some cheered for Kiyotaka and others cheered for Takuya. Who was going to win between the two? And were they going to beat Tsubaki's score? Everyone was going to find out later when the results would be announced.
The whistle finally blew, marking the end of the 2 minute 30 second arrow barraging. All four students lowered their bows and immediately after that, cheers from the spectators' seats roared through the area. It rivalled in loudness with the one that was given to Tsubaki, and it was easily understandable why that was.
"The second bout is now over. Those students' names who were not called out, you will be part of the final bout. Please make your way to the stands now to begin."
With that said, Kiyotaka and the rest moved away from the stands and went back to where they were standing originally before they were called over to partake in the event. As he walked, he noticed Nagumo walking directly next to him, looking like he intended to speak with him.
"I will admit defeat in this event, Ayanokouji. I never expected you to be really good at archery," he said to Kiyotaka.
"This is only the second time I've played archery."
"...That's bullcrap. You know I can't believe that. The way you played looked like you were already doing archery."
It wasn't a complete lie. Kiyotaka had practised with Akito twice, but before that he had never done archery before, not even in the White Room. It was easy to understand why they didn't have such a curriculum activity as part of their generation.
"Well whatever. I know I didn't even beat that Tsubaki girl from first year and you and that Yagami student definitely got close to her score or even beat her. But don't think this is the end. I'm not good at archery, but the next events will definitely be something I'll beat you at. Look forward to it."
Nagumo then walked off ahead of Kiyotaka, who watched him from behind.
"Fufufu. Nagumo seems very triggered by the fact that he lost to you. That was quite entertaining honestly. I hope you continue to make him look like that as time goes past."
Kiryuuin, who appeared to have been listening to Nagumo's declaration, laughed as she also walked past Kiyotaka.
Kiyotaka also noticed Takuya walking past him and the glance sent his way from Takuya. His expression was nearly unreadable, but Kiyotaka could easily tell that his eyes were glaring at him, saying "I'm angry you won this one, but I'll win the next". It seemed he knew he didn't beat Kiyotaka this round. Sighing, Kiyotaka went and joined the rest of the Commanders.
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Part 2
Commander Events - Archery Top Standings:
1st Place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka (Class 2B) - 151 Pts
2nd Place: Yagami Takuya (Class 1B) - 147 Pts
3rd Place: Tsubaki Sakurako (Class 1C) - 139 Pts
4th Place: Nagumo Miyabi (Class 3A) - 121 Pts
5th Place: Kiryuuin Fuuka (Class 3B) - 110 Pts
6th Place: Katsuragi Kohei (Class 2D) - 109 Pts
7th Place: Kanzaki Ryuuji (Class 2C) - 107 Pts
...etc...
These were the standings the teachers announced after the final group of students finished their round in the archery event. Unsurprisingly, Kiyotaka, Takuya and Tsubaki were the 3 top scorers. However, what probably surprised most people was the fact Kiyotaka won the event. Class 2B were ecstatic at his win, but a lot of the other classes who didn't expect such a thing from Kiyotaka were by far surprised. The only other exceptions were a few students from Class 2A and Class 2D.
The first place in the Archery event was a huge gain for both Kiyotaka and Class 2B. It meant they were one step ahead to attaining victory in the Commander Events. According to the teachers, the points gained in this archery event also reflected their current standings in the Commander Events. Whatever place they placed at in the last two events, they would also gain predetermined points that would be added alongside the ones from the archery event. And further to that, all the points they gained from these events, not including the competition points they would gain depending on their places at the end, would be added to their Sports Festival competition points.
But as of now, Kiyotaka couldn't get too confident. After all, they had only just completed the first event and there were still two more to go. He needed to do well in the next two in order to get what he wanted.
"Welcome Commanders to the second event. Please listen as I explain what you will be doing now."
It was now only a couple of minutes after the announcement of the current standings, and now Kiyotaka and the rest of the Commanders found themselves in the indoor gym after being called to head there to partake in the second Commander Event. Looking around the room, there appeared to be a number of raised nets in the middle of some of the outlined courts, which meant the next event was one of two options.
The first option was volleyball. While Kiyotaka thought this was a good event to partake in, it didn't exactly work out for an event for the Commanders, who all rocked solo, since volleyball was a team event.
On another note, volleyball was already an event for those who weren't Commanders. For Kiyotaka's class, Horikita and, surprisingly, Kushida partook in the girl's volleyball doubles event. From Kiyotaka's point of view, the only reason the two of them probably got together on a team was because Ichika was also a participant in the volleyball event. Thanks to intel from Kei, he learned that Horikita, Ibuki and Kushida had a real grudge against Ichika over some issue some time ago and so they definitely wanted to fight again.
With the volleyball option off the table, the only other event Kiyotaka could think of was...
"For your next event, you will all compete in a 1v1 badminton tournament. The rules will simply follow normal badminton rules, which are self explanatory, and each game will be 1 set only and 11 points. Since we are one Commander short, one of you will automatically proceed to the second round and those in the later blocks, the winner of the second round will immediately proceed to the final round. Are there any questions?"
All the Commanders were silent, indicating they understood the rules and what they needed to do. It was badminton after all, and there shouldn't have been one person, not even Kiyotaka and Takuya who were isolated from the outside world in the White Room, who didn't understand badminton.
"The winner of this event will get 150 points, 2nd place will get 125 points, 3rd place 100 points, and so on. You will see at the end. We have already decided on the blocks so please listen as we announce them carefully."
Kiyotaka listened carefully to the announcement, finding out he was in Block B with another third year student from Class D. Unironically, in Block A, the block which allowed the one gifted this place to immediately be promoted to the next round, was none other than Tsubaki Sakurako, the fan favourite for the archery event.
On the bright side for Kiyotaka, at least he wasn't facing off against Nagumo straight away. However, Nagumo was in Block C, which meant if Kiyotaka were to beat both this Class 3D fodder and Tsubaki, he would immediately face off against Nagumo before the finals. Coming to this realisation, Kiyotaka sighed.
"Now that you have your blocks announced, please head your way to the labelled courts and we will begin immediately."
He followed the directions to Court B and standing on the other side waiting for him was the random Class 3D student. Said student looked like he really wanted to win, but said student was also carefully watching Kiyotaka.
...
It was safe to assume that Kiyotaka single-handedly, one sidedly, won against the Class 3D student with ease. Whether it was his own stupidity or just plain acting from following Nagumo's orders, the Class 3D student conducted moves that reminded Kiyotaka of himself when he was playing volleyball with his classmates and Ichinose's class, also when Ichinose was carefully watching his moves and likely gathering information.
But that didn't matter anymore. After a couple of minutes, he was called to start the second round. Just in front of him was his next opponent, Tsubaki Sakurako. The girl in question looked as expressionless and uninterested in life as she usually looked. However, when Kiyotaka looked a little closer at her, he noticed her eyes told a little different story.
"I wish the best of luck to you, Senpai. You beat me in the archery round but I won't try to let you win as easily," Tsubaki said as she engaged in a friendly handshake with Kiyotaka before the game.
"Likewise. But I have my own reasons to win, so I won't be letting you win this either."
At that reply and declaration of battle, Tsubaki's expression changed momentarily. Kiyotaka only just noticed it and raised his eyebrows in curiosity. He had no time to question it though as the teacher called for the two of them to get into position and begin the second game.
Tsubaki was the first to serve with the shuttlecock. It was a quick serve, but also quite a basic one using the forehand overswing. It was one that could easily be returned and pretty much was by Kiyotaka with a forehand underswing. The shuttlecock returned back to Tsubaki's part of the field and she quickly did her own forehand underswing. The shuttlecock kept bouncing between their rackets, however, Tsubaki was unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a very hard forehand overswing that she couldn't return.
1 point went to Kiyotaka.
The game continued on and, for Kiyotaka's benefit, it went a lot better than the game against the fodder third year Class D student. Kiyotaka and Tsubaki's game was definitely a little more competitive than that game, so while he was expending more energy for this game, he was actually having a little bit more fun.
Soon, the score was now 9 points to Kiyotaka and 6 points to Tsubaki. The latter held the shuttlecock as she got ready to serve again. Even though she was losing, her expression never changed, almost as if she didn't care at all about the score.
"Hey. Senpai?"
Unexpectedly, before she served, Tsubaki called Kiyotaka's name from the other side of the court. Stunned for a moment, he paid attention carefully to both her words and her actions.
"Do you have any siblings? Like a brother or a sister? Urgh!" She asked while sending the shuttlecock to Kiyotaka's side of the field.
The serve was more powerful than the others she sent his way before. It required Kiyotaka to be more careful with his returns. He returned the serve with a backhand overswing and answered Tsubaki's question.
"Siblings? I don't have any. I'm what you call an 'only child'. I don't think my family would be good with an extra person to take care of honestly."
With how he was treated, it was very likely that if Kiyotaka did end up having a sibling, his father would still have shoved them with him in the White Room as part of another generation. But all that wouldn't have happened anyway as Kiyotaka's own mother died after his own birth, resulting in a lonely life for both Kiyotaka and his father.
"Why do you ask?"
He returned the question back at Tsubaki, wondering what exactly she was trying to get out of asking a question like that.
"I have a little sister and an older brother, Senpai. My older brother is currently getting ready or is probably already working at Toyota Motor Corporation. He's quite successful, more so than I would like to believe he is. And as for my little sister, she's still in middle school at the moment. I don't think she'll be admitted here or even choose to, but I believe she'll do well to become like my mother. Her grades aren't too high but they aren't bad either. Just average like mine."
The shuttlecock landed just in front of her, leading to Kiyotaka's score going to 10 and Tsubaki's score staying at 6. Kiyotaka was now one point away from winning against Tsubaki, which the referee announced too.
Being passed the shuttlecock from the referee, Kiyotaka sent a serve over to Tsubaki's side of the court and she responded by hitting it back to him. Back in the game now, Tsubaki continued talking.
"There are many other students in this school who have siblings too. A lot of the time, it's easy to tell who has a sibling and who doesn't by looking at their personality and body language. Sometimes, those with siblings will act a certain way and if you look carefully for those actions, you can easily understand whether they have a younger sister or an older brother. They emit this type of energy around them."
Kiyotaka couldn't help but find that point ridiculous. There was no way that was something normal. Though, when he thought about it, he wasn't exactly a normal student and didn't understand normal life all that much, so what Tsubaki was saying could have been true anyway for all he knew.
"And do I emit that kind of energy?"
"Not at all, Senpai. You don't emit any kind of energy at all. But I just felt that you might've had a sibling. You never know sometimes. You might even have a sibling and you just don't know about it."
"I see. Well if I did have a sibling, I would like to see and learn about them."
Surprisingly, Tsubaki stiffened and let the shuttlecock hit the ground again, leading to Kiyotaka to score the last point he needed to win against her. The referee announced the end of the game and Kiyotaka's win. He would now proceed to the next round.
Both Kiyotaka and Tsubaki left the field, however, Kiyotaka didn't fail to notice Tsubaki's shift in emotion and body language during the game. He wanted to go over to ask her about it, since it seemed to be related to the conversation they were having during the game. However, Tsubaki had left before he could even take the opportunity to conduct such an action, and it appeared that the next round was set to begin as well.
The next round against Nagumo...
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Part 3
Kiyotaka walked up to Court A this time around and saw Nagumo standing there waiting for him with a smirk on his face. It looked like Nagumo was looking forward to defeating Kiyotaka in this game.
"This time, I will defeat you. I'm really good at badminton so I look forward to your demise Ayanokouji."
The two of them got into their positions, Kiyotaka being given the shuttlecock to serve. As he raised it in the air and hit it towards Nagumo's side of the field, Kiyotaka was immediately caught off guard by the hard return of the shuttlecock to his side of the field. He had no time to react even if he wanted to as the shuttlecock hit the ground, giving one point to Nagumo.
"Heh. You'll have to do better than that, Ayanokouji. Come on. Entertain me."
The shuttlecock returned back to Kiyotaka to take his second serve before being handed over to Nagumo. Kiyotaka prepared the next serve and shot it over to the other side. However, instead of the shuttlecock being returned and hitting the ground again, Kiyotaka was ready for it this time and returned it with a hard forehand underswing.
Nagumo only just barely reacted in time, hitting the shuttlecock right back again. It bounced back between each court, rackets clanging as they kept swinging. The game continued on like this. Soon the score was tied 5 all. Due to the other block game finishing earlier and the fact that the winner couldn't fight anyone until the final, all the other commanders and spectators were watching the game between Kiyotaka, a supposed nobody who had a very cute girlfriend and was part of a band, and Nagumo, the current student council president.
"I must say Ayanokouji. I understood you were better than me at archery. I accepted that you beat me there. But I didn't expect you to be really good at badminton either. You really are making this enjoyable."
Nagumo received the shuttlecock and got ready to serve again. However, he stopped himself for a moment upon hearing Kiyotaka's reply to him.
"Are you proud of everything you have done to change this school, Senpai?"
"Huh?"
It wasn't surprising to Kiyotaka that Nagumo froze upon hearing his question. Being asked such a drastic question in the middle of an important tournament would obviously shock anyone. The very fact that Tsubaki had done this exact thing with Kiyotaka just not too long ago was proof of that.
"Since Horikita-senpai resigned from his position as the Student Council President last year, you have done a lot to change this school into a meritocracy. You assisted in the creation of special exams such as the Uninhabited Island exam and even a part of this sports festival. You made additions to this school that greatly assisted in the class competitions, such as the OAA. But you also have manipulated your ability as the president to do things you wanted. So I just wanted to ask, are you proud of what you've done as this school's Student Council President?"
Nagumo still hadn't sent the serve over to Kiyotaka yet. He stood there staring at Kiyotaka with a frown and almost a glare in his eyes. The audience and other Commanders were not aware of this or the conversation they were having, so they all watched in confusion as Kiyotaka and Nagumo temporarily stopped playing.
"Hey. Ayanokouji. I don't like that type of question you're asking. It's almost as if you're saying you don't like anything I've done and you're looking down at me from the place upon where the Gods stay."
"Is that so? I'm just asking you since you are a senpai who is worthy of my respect. But I wonder if you have actually earned it yet compared to Horikita Manabu-senpai." Kiyotaka asked back with raised eyebrows. That only seemed to piss off Nagumo more.
"Tch. You know, Ayanokouji. I really hate that your expression never really changes. Ever since our meeting on the island exam, you've been exuding an atmosphere that's been saying you're better than everyone here, even me and Horikita-senpai. The fact you gained his attention despite the fact you did nothing is truly annoying. I'm going to wipe that indifferent expression off your face and put you in your place in this festival. Be prepared."
Nagumo then sent a hard swinging serve towards Kiyotaka, who perfectly rebounded the shot with ease.
"In that case, can you truly show me what it's like to be a strong Student Council President who rules over people and wipes the floor with a cold loner that obviously isn't me?"
"I'll wipe that goddamn expression off your face!"
The game continued on, an even score between the two until it reached 7 points each. However, from that point onward, Kiyotaka began to be the favourable player as he alone racked up to 10 points. It was now a match point to Kiyotaka. Realising this, Naugmo gritted his teeth in frustration.
In order to prevent Kiyotaka from gaining another point and winning, Nagumo needed to do something. After Kiyotaka made a serve and the two returned each shot to each other, Nagumo found an opportunity to try to finally gain a point. With a warcry of the sort, he smashed the shuttlecock towards Kiyotaka's field using a forehand overswing, intending to grab the point there. It was a shot with great amounts of force, no one else could possibly perform.
However... unexpectedly to anyone in the sports hall, minus a certain few people, the shuttlecock flew past Nagumo at speed and landed just barely within the court behind him. Nagumo had no time to react to the shot, and the audience just watched on in silence. Finally realising what happened, Nagumo turned to see the shuttlecock on the ground, indicating the worst for him.
As he turned back to face Kiyotaka, Nagumo noticed that only Kiyotaka's back was facing him and he was in a certain position that told exactly what had happened.
Immediately after Nagumo had sent a quickfire hit, Kiyotaka was already in the position to conduct a hard backhand underswing. It seemed as though Kiyotaka had gambled on a prediction and successfully pulled it off to win him the final point as the shuttlecock hit the racket and zoomed past to land just shy of the line covering the court.
The silence finally subsided and cheers across the hall erupted like a volcano spewing its lava. Hearing the cheers, Kiyotaka returned to just a normal standing position and looked over at Nagumo, expressionless as always.
"You're even more predictable if you are unable to control your frustration."
"Grrr! Ayanokouji. You-"
It was safe to assume that all the questions and slight jabs sent at Nagumo earlier on were for Kiyotaka to rile up Nagumo and then make him more predictable. A double trap. When he thought about it, Nagumo was both frustrated and amazed that he fell for such an easy trap.
"It was a good game, President Nagumo. But just like how you had to do things to win in the Mixed Training Camp and in the Uninhabited Island exam, I must do my own things to win too. You already knew that from the start, didn't you?"
With that all said, Kiyotaka didn't bother to listen to Nagumo's reply as he walked off and waited for the final round to begin. He would be up against Yagami Takuya again, which meant this game was going to get more intense than the one with Nagumo.
After being given a nearly 5 minute break, the teachers announced the start to the final game. Both Kiyotaka and Takuya walked over to court B holding their rackets. Before taking their respective sides of the court, the two finalists met halfway, staring at one another with competitive expressions.
"This game will be very interesting, won't it Senpai? They don't know the whole aspect of our fight and just find it enjoyable to watch. So let's make sure to put on a show for them all. But unlike the archery event, you won't be winning this time."
"Indeed. I hope this goes well for the both of us."
The two of them went to their respective sides. Shuttlecock in hand, Takuya stared across the field to see Kiyotaka already proclaiming a focused stance, ready to do battle. Seeing Kiyotaka take him more seriously than the others he faced against, even Nagumo, Takuya couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
Raising the shuttlecock in the air, Takuya smashed it towards Kiyotaka's side of the court. Kiyotaka responded immediately and hit it back with just as much force. Back and forth the shuttlecock went, both fighters quickly manoeuvring in line with the shuttlecock's direction.
From the spectators perspective, it was like watching two olympic athletes compete against each other in the olympic games. Every single move they made was perfectly carried out with ease. Their footwork was like that of an A+ dancer from Dancing on Ice. Their swings were directly in line with the shuttlecock so that their aim was perfectly in line with where they were looking.
An intense battle to determine who was the better badminton player, who is the strongest Commander. The audience couldn't help but cheer at the game in front of them.
1:0 to Kiyotaka.
1:1 draw.
3:2 to Kiyotaka.
5:6 to Takuya.
7:8 to Takuya.
Kiyotaka and Takuya were completely evenly matched. It had already been more than 10 minutes since the round began, and it still wasn't immediately clear who out of the two White Room students was going to win.
The time since the game began was now nearly reaching 20 minutes, and there was still 3 to 4 points respectively until one of them would be crowned the winner for the Badminton event. The spectators, both outsiders and students, held on to the edges of their seats.
Kiyotaka finally got another point and evened the score to 8 points each. However, if the game continued on like it had now, Kiyotaka and Takuya would likely finish their match right at the end of the sports festival's given time limit, even before the final event could happen. With that in mind, before handing the shuttlecock to Takuya, the referee spoke up.
"Alright pause! Due to time constraints, whoever gets the next point will be crowned the winner. We need to move onto the final event before the sports festival ends. So its match point for either one of you. Understood?"
The two boys were a little surprised at this, but upon understanding the situation, they both nodded and agreed to it. After all...
They definitely didn't need to prolong this to prove who was better between the two of them. They also had one more event to prove it all too.
"Let's finish this game Ayanokouji-senpai," Takuya said as he raised the shuttlecock in the air and whacked it to Kiyotaka.
The shuttlecock flew back and forth once again between each half of the court. This was the final battle to decide the winner of the tournament. The audience sat in silence, not intending to distract the two players from their state of focus.
Even though the two of them had athletic abilities that transcended that of a normal human being, the intense workout, the intense battle, had used so much energy from both of them that they finally had sweat dripping from their foreheads.
"Senpai. I'll be honest with you. I really really hate you. I want to defeat you and prove that I'm the better White Room Masterpiece. But I have to admit that this is kind of fun. Two White Room students duking it out in events, going all out to prove who is better. Even if I hate you, I can't deny that this is the most fun I've had in so long. I will really destroy all those expectations you set and defeat you!"
Even though all he wanted was to get Takuya off his back by defeating him so that he could just live his life normally, even Kiyotaka couldn't help but think this was fun. Kiyotaka now understood how Ryuuen felt when the two of them fought on the rooftop or how Arisu felt when the two of them were in the chess tournament during the Event Selection special exam.
Whether you won or lost, if you had someone who rivalled you in power and put up a great match to make you go all in, you couldn't deny the fact that you were going to be happy and have fun. Feelings of hatred, sadness and anger would disappear and excitement and adrenaline would replace them.
However, with that in mind, when Takuya returned the shot to Kiyotaka's side with as much force as possible, Kiyotaka conducted a very unexpected move. The shuttlecock was directed towards the other side of where Kiyotaka was. He ran for it to try and hit it right back...
...But he completely missed the opportunity to return it and the shuttlecock fell to the ground.
"That's game! The winner of the Badminton event is Yagami Takuya!"
There was a short silence before the audience erupted in cheers. The long intense final round of badminton finally ended and everyone watching was left as satisfied as possible with the results.
However, the same couldn't be said with one of the two participants. Takuya had a shocked look on his face which then turned dangerous, but he quickly got rid of that expression in favour of keeping up an image for the time being.
"Now that the badminton event is over, everyone please make your way outside to the athletics field so we can conduct the final event. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun and Yagami Takuya-kun, please take quick showers and freshen up before coming outside to join us for the last event."
With that, everyone left the gym hall at the front entrance to head over to the athletics field. Kiyotaka and Takuya, meanwhile, heeded the teacher's advice and headed over to the boys changing rooms to have a quick freshen up shower.
When the two of them took their respective shower stalls and started the normal showers, Takuya called out to Kiyotaka.
"Why did you do that!? You held back at the end there, Ayanokouji-senpai. No. More like you intentionally let the shuttlecock hit the floor and intentionally let me win. Why?"
Kiyotaka knew this question would be coming. At the end of the game, just before the shuttlecock hit the ground, Kiyotaka intentionally caused himself to trip up his running, and effectively made himself unable to hit a return shot. If he hadn't had done that, Kiyotaka would've been able to make the run and return the shot easily to continue the game.
But it was for that exact reason that Kiyotaka did what he did.
"Our game would've been continuing on for too long if I didn't do that. We were both having fun with that game, but I felt the best way to truly decide the winner between us two is to battle it out in the final event too. That wouldn't have been able to happen if our game continued on as it did."
A true ending for an important battle, like those in adventure stories. This was what Kiyotaka was aiming for. Once Takuya understood this, his harsh White Room tone lessened to a more normal one.
"I see... Well I understand in that case. But you do realise that you held back, something which if I didn't exactly know the reason why, I would've attacked you. This doesn't get rid of my hatred for you."
"I know. So let's end this battle in the final game once and for all."
Kiyotaka also intentionally left out saying that even if the game continued, Takuya probably would have won, because he knew that wouldn't change anything.
Takuya couldn't say anything else to that. He just continued his shower with Kiyotaka doing the same before the two left the boys changing rooms feeling refreshed and headed for the athletics field.
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Part 4
"We have now reached the final event for the Commander Events. This will be the very last event of both the Commander Events and the entire Sports Festival before we tally up the scores and announce the winners. Before we explain what the final event will be, I firstly want to congratulate everyone who has taken part in the Sports Festival, both as a normal person and as an MVP or Commander. This has been the most intense sports festival for a couple of years now, so good job to everyone here."
Instead of the normal teachers making this announcement, it was the school's Principal who held onto the microphone. Quite a few students were surprised since the Principal barely involved himself in the school's affairs. However, if they were surprised and shocked at that, then they were about to be surprised and shocked even further.
"I just want to handover to our school's Chairman, who will give a few words and announce the current Commander standings before announcing what the final event will be."
The adults and some outside spectators didn't look all that surprised. Considering that they were alumni invited by the Chairman, or Acting Director Tsukishiro in this case, it wouldn't have been normal if the Chairman didn't come out to announce something. However, the students were definitely surprised, since they didn't exactly know about or even met the Chairman before.
"The Chairman, huh?"
"EH!? EH!? The Chairman!?"
"The Chairman's here. OMG!?"
"Kukuku. Why does that bastard look like Sakayanagi?"
Chairman Sakayanagi took the mic and began speaking with a warm smile on his face.
"Thank you, Principal. Now, greetings everyone. I know most of you haven't met me before, but I am the Chairman of this school. Chairman Sakayanagi."
Whispers of "He's Sakayanagi's father?" roamed through the student population, however they were immediately silenced by the teachers, Mashima and Chabashira most notably.
"I would also like to offer a warm congratulations to all of you who have competed in this year's sports festival. This has been one of the most influential sports festivals of all time as you all not only compete against each other to see which class has better teamwork, ability and physicalness, but also get to showcase it in front of the school alumni. I would like to thank our outside audience for accepting the invites and taking the time to come here and witness our students partake in the sports festival. I hope some of them have caught your interest too."
The students and teachers were obliged to clap at the end of that speech. Most followed through but there were some who didn't bother, significantly Ryuuen, Kouenji, Arisu and even Kiyotaka were to name a few.
"Now. On the screen behind me, the current standings for the Commander Battles will be displayed. This is just after the badminton event."
Just as he said, the screen turned to reflect the added results from the badminton tournament.
Commander Events - Current Standings after Badminton:
1st Place: Yagami Takuya (Class 1B) - 297 Pts (+150)
2nd Place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka (Class 2B) - 276 Pts (+125)
3rd Place: Nagumo Miyabi (Class 3A) - 221 Pts (+100)
4th Place: Tsubaki Sakurako (Class 1C) - 219 Pts (+80)
5th Place: Kiryuuin Fuuka (Class 3B) - 185 Pts (+75)
6th Place: Kanzaki Ryuuji (Class 2C) - 177 Pts (+70)
7th Place: Katsuragi Kohei (Class 2D) - 174 Pts (+65)
...etc...
Kiyotaka, who was in first place after the archery event, lost his position after Takuya won the badminton tournament, so the two had swapped positions. However, the point difference between the two wasn't all that much, so just like Kiyotaka predicted, whoever won this last event would decide who would truly be the winner of the Commander Events, and subsequently, the White Room Masterpiece title at the current moment.
Not only that but Nagumo and Tsubaki had also traded places. Since Kiyotaka defeated Tsubaki first before Nagumo, she earned less points than Nagumo, resulting in her losing her third place spot and Nagumo taking it instead.
Kiryuuin's position had not changed at all. She gained a few points, but it didn't affect her ranking. Kanzaki and Katsuragi also traded spots since Kanzaki gained a few more points than Katsuragi. It was better to not think about anyone else below those two.
"The rankings have changed slightly but that could all change again with the final event. Commanders. Please listen carefully as I will now announce what your final event will be."
Each Commander put 100% of their attention at Chairman Sakayanagi's way. Nagumo and Takuya were especially the most attentive. Nagumo likely knew what the event was already considering he was the Student Council President but he probably didn't know the rules. The two of them were really looking to find out what the event and its rules were so they could beat Kiyotaka.
"The last Commander Event will essentially be a triathlon."
Sounds of confusion roamed not just through some of the Commanders, but also around the student body. Of course, they all knew what a triathlon was whether they watched the Olympics or not, but they didn't understand how the school could conduct a triathlon in this environment, since it required a large track that covered an entire city, like Tokyo itself. And knowing the school, they wouldn't let the students leave the school just for about 20 minutes so they could conduct a triathlon event for the sports festival.
Understanding all the confused faces on the students, Chairman Sakayanagi elaborated.
"Triathlon usually requires the use of a city or town in order to cover all aspects for the event. However, since we can't hold this outside of the school, we had to improvise. The faculty staff were all preparing the obstacle course for you while we were conducting the other Commander Events, so we have everything planned out. Allow me to explain the course to you Commanders."
The screen behind Chairman Sakayanagi changed from the current Commander standings to show what appeared to be a map of the school island.
"I'm sure you've all noticed the bikes nearby here. You will start here on bicycles and traverse around the campus following the route outlined by the dotted line above me." The Chairman paused to give the Commanders a moment to look at the dotted line now showing up on the screen above him. "There are barriers to ensure you don't go off course but please follow with care. The bicycle side of the triathlon will end at the entrance of the indoor swimming pool."
As Chairman Sakayanagi had said, the dotted line stopped at the outdoor entrance to the school's indoor swimming pool. The Commanders nodded in understanding, allowing the Chairman to continue.
"Since we don't want you to be swimming in the waters surrounding the campus, we will improvise using the indoor swimming pool. The swimming section of the triathlon will require you to do 8 back-to-back laps of the large swimming pool. What that means is that you swim to one end and back. That will count as 1 lap. You will need to do that 8 times to complete the swimming section. A teacher will be there to monitor how many laps you do to ensure you don't cheat. In addition to that, the Fitbit watches you're now wearing will tell you too."
A few of the Commanders, notably Class 3D's and Class 3C's Commanders gulped. Kiyotaka didn't know whether it was because they couldn't swim or that they were fit enough to do 8 laps of the large swimming pool (probably the latter), but they didn't have a choice since this was what the school chose for the final event.
"Finally, you will finish the rest of the triathlon on foot. Once again following the dotted line all the way to the finish line, which will be right here where you started. Just like the cycle part, there will be barriers to ensure you don't go off course and cheat."
The dotted line finally ended right where it started, indicating that was the finish line just like Chairman Sakayanagi had said. Some of the Commanders, including Katsuragi, felt a little unnerved at the fact they were partaking in such a large triathlon, but they could only deal with it since this was the final event chosen for the Commander Events.
"I know you all will be very competitive to try and win, but note that direct sabotage or any other form of that is absolutely not allowed and if we see that happening, we will disqualify you from this event. If you want to block the other player so you can get ahead of course, then we can allow that action as long as it doesn't get too physical. I expect you all understood that even before I explained that."
Seeing everyone nodded, Chairman Sakayanagi gave his final announcement.
"Since this event involves swimming, we will be handing you all rashguards so you can wear them during the entire event and not dampen your gym clothes. Commanders all make your way to the change rooms and quickly change so we can start this event immediately. You have 5 mins to get changed and get back here."
Kiyotaka and the rest of the Commanders were handed the rashguards and were directed back to the change rooms that Kiyotaka and Takuya had just come from not too long ago. Kiyotaka kinda wished the teachers told them about the rashguard before they took the shower so they could save time.
After the given 5 minutes to change, all the Commanders returned back to the field and took their positions on the bicycles. They were BMX bikes, used for normal city and town terrain. Considering how some people weren't as good at riding bikes as others, BMX bikes were definitely a better choice here than racing bikes.
"Is everyone ready?" When everyone nodded, Chairman Sakayanagi continued. "Alright. When I say go, the triathlon will begin. Good luck to everyone."
Anticipation was set. Who was going to pedal faster than the other? Who would get to the swimming pool first? Who would complete the 8 laps and finish the final run first? Only time would tell who would do so first.
Kiyotaka noticed the competitive glances from Nagumo and Takuya. He didn't have to look back at them to understand what they were saying. It was easy to realise they were both saying "I won't let you win this one. I'll be the winner."
"GO!"
With hesitation, the pedalling began. All the Commanders zoomed past as quick as they could, cheers roaming throughout the area as they all watched the Commanders zoom off for the triathlon.
Unsurprisingly, due to their little competition, Kiyotaka, Nagumo and Takuya were already at the front of the pack. Just behind the three of them were Kanzaki and Katsuragi, who were both trying their hardest too. Kiryuuin and Tsubaki were just behind those two and, like always, it wasn't worth thinking about the other fodder characters.
Nagumo and Takuya just a little bit in front of Kiyotaka. Taking advantage of that, Takuya got further in front and decided to block Kiyotaka's path so that he couldn't overtake at any chance given. However, while this played to Nagumo's advantage, this only pissed him off.
"Oi. Yagami. Ayanokouji is my opponent. I'll be the one to block him and beat him myself. I saw your badminton battle against him and you even rivalled him in archery. You've had your chances. It's my turn to beat him in an event I know I'm good at!"
"Nagumo-senpai. You've already proven that you are not a good opponent for Ayanokouji-senpai. You lost the archery battle badly and you had a good chance during the badminton tournament but ultimately failed there too. I've already proven I'm the best opponent for him, so let the professionals show you how it's really done."
The two of them continued their bickering over who would be the one to fight Kiyotaka. Said boy wasn't sure what to feel, being the item the two bickering about. However, he didn't need to think about this for the moment as Kiyotaka came to the realisation that something inevitable from Takuya and Nagumo's bickering occurred that he needed to take advantage of.
Unsurprisingly, when two people argue over something trivial, focus on their surroundings or anything completely unrelated to their argument would be pushed to the very back of their minds. All focus would be on the argument and nothing else.
Based on that logic, Kiyotaka noticed that since Takuya and Nagumo were so engrossed in their argument, they failed to notice an upcoming obstacle within good enough time to dodge and block at the same time. Because of that, a small gap opened up, just enough to perform an overtake.
It was coming up to a corner, so it was a risky move even for Kiyotaka to do. But he decided to take the chance.
While they were still bickering, after dodging the obstacles and just before they came to the corner, Kiyotaka quickly zoomed past the two through the gap. Takuya and Nagumo only noticed this just as the back wheel managed to move further than the front wheel of Takuya's bicycle, and so they weren't able to stop Kiyotaka from passing them.
What was even more unfortunate for the two was that Kanzaki also quickly zoomed through the gap before it closed, forcing both Nagumo and Takuya to grumpily end the argument and try their best to get back at Kiyotaka.
"While I finally have a moment to talk with you, I would like to say something."
Riding directly, though just a few short metres behind Kiyotaka, next to him, Kanzaki spoke out to him. Due to their focus on the path in front of them, neither Kiyotaka nor Kanzaki turned to face each other. There were more imitative obstacles coming up their way that required more of their attention in order to ride past them. Kanzaki continued on, knowing that Kiyotaka was listening to him.
"That final badminton game you had with that first year Yagami Takuya. That game really showed you are even more than you let on. I knew you were hiding things, the fact you're smarter than you let on and you're faster than we all thought you could be are proof enough. But all of what I've been seeing today went beyond what even I could speculate. If I were to question you on what else you were hiding, I'm sure you wouldn't answer. So instead, I want to ask you what your real intentions are."
That question surprised Kiyotaka. It wasn't really the question that surprised him, but the persona Kanzaki put on when asking him the question. Like Katsuragi, Kanzaki was a very cautious person. But unlike Katsuragi, Kanzaki tended to let his emotions get over him and cloud his mind to the point where he wouldn't act as mindful as he usually was. Kiyotaka couldn't see that in Kanzaki here, so it was a definite surprise.
However, that didn't stop Kiyotaka from diverging away from what he needed to do here. Even if Kanzaki was showing a more calm and collective persona, he was still expecting an answer from Kiyotaka. It was easy to see why, since Kiyotaka had somehow convinced Ichinose to take more added steps to ensure her class's safety, something which Kanzaki had been trying to get them to do for a while.
"Who knows?"
For one thing, he didn't have any ill intentions from changing Ichinose. In truth, Kiyotaka was just interested in seeing the answer Ichinose would bring from her actions towards the end of the year like they promised. He also cared about her so he wanted to help just a little bit even if it wasn't beneficial to him.
"A non-committal answer as always. I should've expected as much. Well let me just say this at least. We were allies when we started first year. I didn't trust you or your class as much as Ichinose did, but I did feel happy with our alliance. But things have changed and of course so have you and I. If I find any ill intentions from your actions which affect Ichinose, me and my class, note I will never forgive you and expect issues for your own class, even if I can't do much."
That was an inevitable declaration so Kiyotaka wasn't surprised to hear this from Kanzaki. But Kanzaki had enough self-control to keep his emotions in check at least. If this were an alternate universe, Kiyotaka believed the opposite would've happened.
But he didn't have any more time to think about that as they were finally approaching the outside front entrance to the school's indoor swimming pools. Kiyotaka could hear the war cries and grunts of Nagumo and Takuya behind him. It appeared they were trying so hard to catch up and win against him.
They finally crossed the line where they would get off the bikes and run to the swimming pool. Kiyotaka quickly dismounted the bike and ran inside the pool. A few teachers were already present there, just as Chairman Sakayanagi had said.
Nagumo and Takuya had quickly caught up with Kiyotaka and the three of them dashed for the pool, preparing for a quick and flawless dive. The second part of the obstacle triathlon began.
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Part 5
All the classes had specific areas they were instructed to be in in order to watch the Commander Events. Class 2B were grouped up together around a tent set up for them to spectate Kiyotaka competing.
"Hey Kei-chan. Did you know Ayanokouji-kun was really good at sports and not just at running?"
In the middle of the cycling section of the triathlon they were watching on the large screen, Mori spoke with Kei asking that question.
"Eh?"
It appeared Kei was too "in the zone" or, in other words, too focused on watching Kiyotaka push those muscles she greatly admired to the max with cycling. She quickly wiped the starting to form drool from her mouth, hoping no one, not even Mori, saw it.
"I knew Ayanokouji-kun was very fast at running, after that race with the former Student Council President. And we knew he was smart from not just his score in math, but also from what we learnt about what he did to somewhat save Airi-chan. But we still didn't know he was this athletic. As his girlfriend, did you know about it?"
It wasn't just Mori who was looking at Kei expecting an answer. Satou, Matsushita, Haruka, Akito and Yukimura also looked at Kei expecting to hear an answer from her. However, it didn't stop there. It appeared that most of Class B was also listening to Mori's question to Kei, since they were still quite stunned at seeing Kiyotaka's true physical abilities. They all waited for Kei to give them an answer.
Being under such pressure, Kei couldn't help but wilter. However, she recovered quite quickly since she knew the topic wasn't about her but her boyfriend. She gave them the only answer she could give them.
"I knew his body was built to be very athletic and really good at sports. But even I didn't know he was this good at sports. This has been a surprise to me too."
This was the truth. She only knew about his ability in sports from what he told her. They didn't have many opportunities where they could see Kiyotaka's true ability at sports, and since he never wanted to stand out except in running, it wasn't like they could try to figure it out themselves.
"He really is amazing, isn't he?" Satou said with a blushing smile on her face. It seemed she still couldn't get rid of the crush she had on him, despite the fact that he was taken by Kei.
Everyone in the class agreed. They really couldn't see someone who was once considered a gloomy loner to become someone indispensable, someone who they only believed was only good at maths and running to become a class leader. It was definitely a shock to those who didn't know about Kiyotaka.
"Hey look! Ayanokouji-kun managed to get past the Student Council President and that first year who was blocking him!" Mei-Yu called out while pointing at the screen.
Of course, everyone's attention returned back to the screen, and just as Mei-Yu had stated, Kiyotaka overtook Nagumo and Takuya when a small gap formed. Class B gave out a few cheers upon seeing this.
"Kukuku. That Ayanokouji. He's really going all in."
Out of nowhere, Class B heard a voice from behind them. Turning around, they found Ryuuen alongside Ishizaki, Ibuki and Albert approaching their tent. From all the other experiences they've had with Ryuuen, Class B couldn't help but stiffen up and be put on guard.
"Ryuuen!"
Of course, the first to respond to what they believed was Ryuuen looking to provoke them was none other than Sudou. His face contorted in anger, likely because they knew Ryuuen was winning the sports festival at the moment.
"Kukuku. Relax dog. I have no ill intention toward your class. Call it a truce for the time being, especially since a special day is coming," Ryuuen replied while giving a brief glance towards Kei who noticed it and immediately knew what it meant. "Though, I do want to talk with Suzune and Kikyou over something. It's alright, we can talk here."
Kushida's expression was one of disgust, not bothering to put on her persona anymore. As someone who once worked with Ryuuen to try and expel Horikita, it was inevitable that he would know about her true persona. Therefore, Kushida deemed it unnecessary to keep up the act, especially since her classmates knew about her true nature anyway.
Horikita also wore an expression of disgust. The only times Ryuuen called her up was when he wanted to have his fun, either making sexual harrassment comments like he used to in their first year or just flat out mocking their class whenever he felt like it. This was likely going to be the same thing.
Sudou looked like he was about to square up to Ryuuen more, however he was stopped by his partner Onodera, who put a hand on his arm and squeezed it. Sudou reluctantly stopped, allowing Horikita and Kushida to take the lead for the conversation.
"What do you want, Ryuuen-kun?" Horikita started with a glare.
"Being feisty again, aren't you Suzune? Well relax. I'm just here to talk to you about the monster. You know, your manipulator Ayanokouji."
"Ayanokouji-kun?"
It wasn't Horikita who said this, but Kushida who was directly next to her. Ryuuen only smirked and gave his answer.
"Yes. But firstly..." He turned to Kushida first and smirked. "How are you feeling, Kikyou? Free? Are you finally happy you get to show off your true self and lose all the people you once called your friends?"
His taunting only made Kushida really angry. She really couldn't refute what he said since she really had lost everything she had built up. It took every ounce of her willpower to not blow off at him right here and now.
"Fuck off, Ryuuen." was all she said in return.
"Oh. Scary. I was expecting much more than that. You really are a strong woman Kikyou, for better or for worse. Cheers towards your future, because you'll need it. I got no drinks to clang together so you'll just have to settle for my words."
Ryuuen kept laughing as if his own joke was the funniest thing in the world. However, no one, not even his own subordinates behind him, knew what he was talking about. That was inevitable as only two other people knew what Ryuuen was talking about, both of which were taking part in the Commander Events.
With Kushida being left confused at Ryuuen's words, he then turned on to Horikita, who had been silently watching and listening to the conversation.
"Now. How much longer do you intend to keep quiet about your class's secrets, Suzune? You've already been exposed to the brazen character Kikyou was, but what about the truth behind everything else? Since you're losing your position as a leader in this class, I think it's time you tell the truth to everyone in order to gain their trust back."
This caught both Horikita and the class by surprise. Horikita herself was trying to keep calm. It wasn't entirely bad that Ryuuen was trying to expose all the secrets behind her leadership, but she knew it wasn't good either. For both her and Kiyotaka's sake, she needed to handle this as effectively as possible.
"Are you trying to think of a way to steer the conversation so that you don't actually tell the truth? Don't bother. Ayanokouji himself said that it's alright to tell them all the truth now."
"What?"
Horikita couldn't comprehend this. Kiyotaka had wanted to hide in the shadows for ages, much to her own dismay. But after learning more about his abilities and growing to become a better person thanks to both him and her brother, she grew to accept it and not ask questions, going as far as to keep him in the shadows like he wanted.
However, Ryuuen was telling Horikita that Kiyotaka had changed his mind and was now willing to reveal everything. She couldn't believe it, especially since it was coming from Ryuuen and not Kiyotaka himself, despite Ryuuen saying it was from Kiyotaka.
"You don't believe me, Suzune?" Ryuuen asked, a smirk still present on his face. It was evident that Ryuuen was goading Horikita to say yes and run into a trap he likely set.
"Of course I don't. Why would Ayanokouji-kun say it's alright to tell whatever secrets we are hiding to you and not me?"
Horikita knew better, however for this moment, she decided to take the bait. She took a quick glance towards Kei and saw that even she had a look of confusion on her face. However, there was also a look of understanding in that expression, as if saying despite being confused, she knew something about what Ryuuen was talking about.
"Heh. Good reasoning Suzune. You are indeed correct. It wouldn't make sense for Ayanokouji to say it to me first and not you, nor would it make any sense for me to tell you instead of him. Yet, that is exactly what is happening right now."
Ryuuen shook his head before continuing.
"Well whatever. Sooner or later, you will need to tell your class the truth, otherwise it might end badly for you. Consider this my warning to you. Because even I care, Suzune. Kukuku. Also, I want to see you after the sports festival. Not directly after, but when you're available. It's important so I hope you listen and give me details of when you're available."
He then began walking off, likely heading back to his class's tent to watch the rest of the triathlon. His subordinates followed just behind him, though Ibuki turned back to glare at Horikita, likely because she lost in the little bet they had during the sports festival.
Horikita sighed as soon as they were gone, but the damage had been done as a few of her classmates looked at her.
"Horikita-san. What was Ryuuen-kun saying about keeping quiet about more of our class's secrets?"
When one of her classmates asked that question, Horikita stiffened a bit, unsure of what to do here. Ryuuen indeed left a mark on the class. Trust in her had already depleted and now that Ryuuen had done what he had done, that trust was going to go down even more unless she told them the entire truth.
What should she say? What can she do? Horikita didn't know. Whatever she said now would likely cause more problems for the class, which had only just begun to get back together again after her decision in the unanimous vote exam.
However, before Horikita could give her answer to Class B's questioning and accusing eyes, an unexpected saviour spoke up and came to her rescue.
"Guys. I don't think we should question Horikita-san about it right now. It's just not the right time to do it. Plus, if we do it here, never mind Ryuuen-kun's class, the other classes could hear about it too and it could be problematic to us."
It was Kei who spoke up nearby, gathering all the attention again. Everyone was surprised to see her defend Horikita here, even Horikita herself. Kei continued on, explaining.
"Just like Horikita-san said, who's to say Ryuuen-kun isn't lying? And even so, if what Ryuuen-kun says is true, then who's to also say he knows everything about our class secrets? If he really did, he would expose it all here. That's the type of person Ryuuen-kun is. If Horikita-san and Kiyotaka want to tell us the full truth of the class, then we should do so when they think it's right. Now is not the right time."
Using her position as a class leader and the leader of the girls, Kei managed to garner people onto her side, seeing the benefits from her explanation. Of course, there were a few people who looked like they wanted to question further, but they knew Kei was correct. It was best to not think about it now and not question it, even if what could be said could be harmful to the class.
"Look," Kei started again smiling. "It looks like Kiyotaka has just finished the swimming section and is getting to the final sprinting part. Let's just focus on this sports festival and cheer Kiyotaka on."
Class B nodded and looked back to the screen, seeing Kiyotaka and his two other competitors jogging for the final section of the triathlon.
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Part 6
"Oi! Ayanokouji! Yagami! Get the hell back here!"
Nagumo, shouting as he pushed himself, tried to catch up with the two boys he was "fighting" against in this triathlon. They were all on the final running section of the triathlon, having just finished the swimming section not too long ago.
On the note of the swimming part, in Kiyotaka's mind, it was pretty uneventful. All the Commanders were good at swimming, but none of them excelled at it like Onodera, a swimming prodigy. That was in exception to the two obvious White Room students, Kiyotaka and Takuya, who unsurprisingly swam both elegantly and quickly, finishing the 8 laps pretty quickly.
That annoyed Nagumo. It took every ounce of his power to ensure he caught up to Kiyotaka and Takuya. Now that he had caught up, his breathing was slightly erratic as he ran with the two.
"Nagumo-senpai. Stay out of this. I told you already, you aren't a good enough opponent for Ayanokouji-senpai. He and I will be the ones to duke it out. You've had your chance."
Takuya was unsurprisingly bothered by Nagumo's persistence to continue the fight. From Kiyotaka's point of view, the amount of hatred Takuya had for Kiyotaka was quite high, which meant that anyone who got in the way would also be the target of that hatred. However, Takuya still spoke with Nagumo with a respectful tone. It probably took every drop of his White Room willpower to control his tone and speak with Nagumo.
"You had your chance in the archery and badminton events. So shut up and let me have my fight with Ayanokouji now! You listen to your Student Council President and boss, Yagami."
The same bickering that they had started in the cycling part of the triathlon returned, causing Kiyotaka to sigh since he was in the middle of it.
[However. Since Nagumo is here... This could play to my advantage.] He thought.
"Have you thought about my question from earlier a little more, President Nagumo?"
This caught his attention. Not only did Nagumo turn to glare at him, but Yagami also turned with raised eyebrows.
"Are you talking about the question about whether I was proud of what I've done at this school? Ayanokouji. If you want an answer then of course I'm proud of what I've done. But I don't like the way you asked that question. It's like you're looking down on me."
"That's because he is." Kiyotaka heard Takuya mumble but he ignored it.
"So you are mocking me. Damn you Ayanokouji! I'm slowly starting to see what Horikita-senpai saw in you, bit by bit. But that still doesn't mean you can just look down on someone like me!"
It seemed Nagumo heard Takuya's mumble and took it seriously. Kiyotaka cursed Takuya in his mind for causing this, but he decided to just go along with it anyway.
"I've never really looked down on anyone." Kiyotaka told the truth.
At least he told the truth in the case of after he escaped the White Room. While he was in the White Room, it would be a lie to say he didn't somewhat look down on others in the White Room. But that was only with those who were extremely struggling with the curriculum he went through.
"Hmph. I don't believe you there. What the hell is your point anyway with that question? It's almost as if you're telling me my time is over when in reality I'm staying as the Student Council President until graduation like I said I would back when I was appointed. Is that what you're trying to say!?"
"Who knows? The future is always on the brink of change."
Kiyotaka's nonsensical reply only pissed off Nagumo even more, but Kiyotaka no longer paid attention to that. He put his complete focus on running and nothing else. They were not too far away from the finish line after all.
They were approaching the final stretch of the triathlon. It was a straight section, with the end just at the end of the athletics field, a large banner indicating it. On the sides of the straight section were the audience stands, both for all the classes and the outside spectators, which Kiyotaka noted that it included his father.
Seeing the three of them approaching, the audience began to cheer, motivating the three boys to keep up their run.
"So this is the final stretch then. I'll show you, Ayanokouji, and you two Yagami. That you shouldn't mess with the Student Council President," Nagumo said to the two of them.
Kiyotaka then turned to face Nagumo and Takuya, face still as expressionless as always. However, both noticed the glint in his eyes was very different than before. It was almost as if he was saying "you think you can beat me?"
"If you're saying that President Nagumo, then..."
He then turned away and looked ahead, eyes stuck to the finish line in front of him. His next words sent a cold chill down Nagumo's spine and Takuya also felt a slight chill too.
"Run as fast as you can to beat me."
Kiyotaka immediately zoomed off from Takuya and Nagumo, surprising both of them. Of course, Nagumo knew about Kiyotaka's race with Horikita Manabu and how the two of them pretty much rivalled each other in terms of speed. But he was confident in his own speed too, so he ran off to catch up to Kiyotaka. Takuya also pushed himself to the max and ran as fast as he could.
The three of them zoomed past each year/class and spectator stand at speed, making a performance to them akin to the Olympics 100m event. It was that enjoyable to them that the cheers grew louder.
"Go Ayanokouji!"
"Shred them, President Nagumo!"
"You can do it Yagami-kun!"
Each student and surprisingly a few of the outside spectators gave cheers to the favourite in the final stretch of the race. There was only 300m left until all three of them reached the finish line. The winner was about to be decided in the last few moments.
Kiyotaka, Nagumo and Takuya were close together, tightly matched. Kiyotaka and Takuya were just a tiny bit ahead of Nagumo, but the latter was really close to them so they were pretty much matched.
...At least that's what it was currently in the eyes of everyone.
"Ayanokouji-senpai. I think it's time the two of us take it up a notch. After all, this isn't our fastest speed."
When Takuya said that, Nagumo's eyes froze. He himself was already running with full speed, evident by the sweat forming on his forehead and his erratic breathing as he ran. He couldn't go any faster than this, yet the two boys he was fighting against could actually go faster?
"You're right. I should up the ante so I can win. I did say to run as fast as your legs can handle to beat me."
With that, both Kiyotaka and Takuya increased their speed and zoomed off again, leaving Nagumo in the dust. In reality, they weren't going that much faster, however in the eyes of everyone watching, this huge boost in speed from the two felt like that of a rally car overtaking that of a normal one in the streets.
200m left and it was now only between Kiyotaka and Takuya. The glint in each of their eyes was both focused and competitive. Everything was likely blanked out around them so they could put their entire focus on this race and their opponent.
100m left. Takuya turned his gaze to Kiyotaka with the latter doing the same. The smirking smile on Takuya's face indicated he believed he was about to win and was enjoying this final battle. He managed to push himself just a little ahead of Kiyotaka, the end now in reach.
"YOU CAN DO IT KIYOTAKA! YOU CAN WIN!"
That cheer caught Kiyotaka's attention. It was from none other than his girlfriend Kei, and it stood out more than any other cheer that was aimed toward him. Whether that was because of his love for her or not, he did not know. But what he did know was that he didn't want to disappoint that cheer, to disappoint Kei.
With just 50 metres left and Takuya just slightly ahead, Kiyotaka finally increased his speed further. He quickly caught up to Takuya, and then immediately zoomed past him with just 20 metres left. Takuya had no room to react in time, despite his fast reaction speed.
ZIP.
Both boys finally crossed the finish line, however, Takuya's expression was one of frustration. It was obvious why that was.
Kiyotaka himself was still, trying to catch his breath. Even with the final run against Horikita Manabu in last year's sports festival, this was the fastest Kiyotaka had ever run outside of the White Room. Not even the investors during the New York City trip Kiyotaka went on with his father knew about this speed from him.
"What the hell type of speed was that? You were even holding back against Horikita-senpai back then!?" Nagumo said to Kiyotaka after he finished.
Kiyotaka turned to Nagumo and saw him with a frustrated face. Of course, he lost completely in all three events to Kiyotaka, something which Nagumo really didn't think would happen. Understanding that saying something would probably trigger Nagumo's frustration further, Kiyotaka continued to stay silent.
"I told you that you were not a good enough opponent for Ayanokouji-senpai, President Nagumo-senpai."
However, it seemed that Takuya wanted to make a mockery out of Nagumo a little more. Unsurprisingly, Nagumo got a little more frustrated and glared at Takuya, but he held it back as much as possible so that he wouldn't blow over. He sighed and then turned back to face Kiyotaka.
"Well whatever. You absolutely beat me in the Commander Events, so I will keep my promise and stop all the third year stares on you. They won't be constantly watching you anymore, however I cannot stop them from gazing at you out of curiosity since I forced them to be watching you."
Kiyotaka understood that. Human curiosity went far. He himself was a great example to that, so he wouldn't be surprised at some of the stares still being directed at him from a few of the third years. But as long as all of them weren't staring and watching his every movement every time he appeared, that would be a win for Kiyotaka.
But there was one thing Kiyotaka noted that Nagumo hadn't mentioned. Thanks to his partnership with Nanase Tsubasa from Class 1D, Kiyotaka was able to find out about the bounty that should have ended when Acting Director Tsukishiro left the school was still intact. This was because Nagumo decided to secretly continue it without the knowledge of the school.
Nagumo did not mention it here nor during the agreement of this little showdown weeks ago. It would be in Kiyotaka's best interest to mention it here and get Nagumo to call off the bounty. However, Kiyotaka stayed silent about it, deciding that was better in the long run. After all, despite what Nagumo said here, Kiyotaka barely trusted the fact that he would keep his entire promise.
"That is it for the obstacle triathlon event. Congratulations to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka who just scraped first place there from Yagami Takuya who came second. With that, we will now count the points and count the scores for the sports festival. Please go mingle with your classes and we will announce the results in 5-10 minutes."
Hearing that announcement, Nagumo and Takuya gave one last glare towards Kiyotaka before leaving to join their own classes. Kiyotaka sighed and did the same. As he arrived at his class's tent, he was immediately greeted by his classmates.
"Ayanokouji! The hell was that? You absolutely destroyed that first year and the Student Council President."
"Ayanokouji-kun. You were so amazing. Satou-san was right, you really are handsome when you're running at full speed."
"Kiyotaka. Nice job. You definitely got first place in the Commander Events."
"You did it, Kiyopon."
"Fufufu. As expected of you, Ayanokouji-boy."
Words of praise for his achievements dominated his surrounding circle of classmates. It was evident they were all surprised about his win, but they were all happy for it. Even though they picked Kiyotaka as the Commander for their class in this sports festival, they didn't think he would be so athletic to win in the Commander Events. Kiyotaka himself understood that.
After finally giving him some space to move, Kiyotaka walked over to Kei, who had been outside of the circle, smiling in pride at her boyfriend. If she had a tail, it would have been wagging like a puppy finally happy to see her owner approaching her. Kiyotaka couldn't help but think maybe her ponytail would count if it had a mind of its own.
"Congratulations, Kiyotaka. You were amazing out there," Kei said to Kiyotaka as he approached her.
"Thank you Kei. I heard you cheering for me at the end. It was thanks to you that I managed to win there."
He raised his hand and stroked her hair, a smile present in his eyes and his lips curved just a very tiny bit. Unsurprisingly, Kei felt flustered by this as her cheeks went red and swirls looked like they were going to appear in her eyes.
"E-eh!? Ahh mou! Don't embarrass me like that, Kiyotaka!"
Arms flailing alongside her embarrassment, she garnered attention of the class from her antics, though this was mostly her friend group, Mori and Haruka specifically teasing her. Seeing all of this in front of him, Kiyotaka couldn't help but be reminded of the situation he was now in.
Thanks to the wins he just managed to get in these Commander Events, he managed to gain enough points to be confident enough that he was going to get the Commander Event rewards. Gaining that reward was important for him and so was the position Class B would be when the results were announced.
[Everything is all coming together. Once the rewards are released, it will be time to add the finishing touches. This will be a huge step for Class B and for myself. Now I just have to wait.] He thought.
End of Chapter 5...