March 9th. After school on the day the match-ups were announced.
A heavy, suffocating atmosphere filled a room in a karaoke box near the school.
Sunk deep into the center of the sofa was the man who had just escaped the brink of expulsion in the recent Class Poll and returned to the forefront of Class C—Ryuuen Kakeru.
Surrounding him were Kaneda Satoru, Ishizaki Daichi, Ibuki Mio, and the giant Yamada Albert. With the silent video flowing from the monitor behind them, they were holding a strategy eting aid at defeating Class A.
"Ryuuen-san. For this Event Selection Exam... the role of 'Commander' carries a heavy penalty of expulsion if we lose the majority. Therefore, I, who hold a protection point, should be the one to take it."
The one who broke the ice was Kaneda, the brain of Class C.
"Yeah, I think that's the best call too! I've had enough of you being on the verge of expulsion, Ryuuen-san!"
Ishizaki also leaned forward, agreeing with Kaneda's opinion.
Ryuuen picked up his glass from the table, letting the ice clink softly as he fell silent for a mont.
"…Kuku. Yeah. Kaneda, I'll leave it to you."
"...Are you certain? Given your usual deanor, Ryuuen-san, I assud you would take the Commander role yourself, even if it ant risking expulsion..."
At Kaneda's words, Ryuuen narrowed his sharp eyes.
"…Aizen Sousuke. If that bastard weren't around, I would have taken the Commander spot."
"Aizen-san, you say?"
"Yeah. Without a doubt, Class A's Commander will be Ichinose. Normally, if I took the Commander spot and used the pressure of expulsion as a shield to completely disrupt the board, that good-natured Ichinose would definitely lose her cool and show an opening."
Ryuuen placed his glass back on the table, clicking his tongue in irritation.
"But Class A has Aizen. He'll perfectly foresee pulling a strategy like that and give Ichinose precise advice. If that happens, mind gas won't work. …If by so freak anomaly I get expelled here, the probability of the current Class C ever rising to the top becos absolute zero."
Kaneda nodded deeply at Ryuuen's calm judgnt.
"You make a very valid point, Ryuuen-san. The probability that Aizen-san will read even further ahead of our thinking and devise counterasures for Ichinose-san is highly likely. The risk of losing you here is simply too great."
"Tch... Honestly, I really wanted to pull Class D for this one."
Ryuuen spat out his words, making no effort to hide his frustration.
"Thanks to Aizen and that Class Poll, the current Class C is carrying a three-person nurical disadvantage compared to Class A. With our class's current state, there's no logical way we can go head-to-head and beat Class A or Class B."
At those words, which could easily be interpreted as weak-willed, Ibuki—who had been leaning against the wall with her arms crossed—furrowed her brows.
"That doesn't sound like you. Are you giving up before the fight even starts?"
"Idiots. I'm not giving up, I'm telling you to face reality."
Ryuuen shot a cold glare back at Ibuki.
"With the rules of this exam, both Class A and Class B—who have more heads and a higher average academic capability—will undoubtedly prepare multiple 'academic test types' of events. Do you honestly think the morons in our class can beat them in academics?"
"Well, that's... true."
Hit where it hurt, Ibuki fell silent.
"Indeed. If we are to find a path to victory, we have no choice but to solidify our choices with athletic events... specifically, 'martial arts' or 'power' types that can leverage Yamada-san and Ishizaki-san's brute strength, as well as Ibuki-san's combat abilities."
Kaneda adjusted his glasses as he made the suggestion. Behind him, Albert gave a quiet, firm nod.
"Yeah, that's the only play."
Ryuuen agreed, but his expression was by no ans bright.
"But here's the catch... Even if we create martial arts events, if we make the rules a one-on-one representative match, or a 'winner-stays-on' elimination match where the victor stays to fight the next opponent, we'll lose the mont that bastard Aizen steps onto the field."
"…! Aizen-san will?!"
"Don't tell you didn't see his absurd physical capabilities during the sports festival. That guy isn't just an intellectual whose brain spins fast. Without a doubt, his capacity for violence is top-tier. If we carelessly crash into him in an elimination-style rule, there's a high probability he'll sweep everyone single-handedly, including Albert."
"True, his movents during the sports festival's pole-toppling event were completely out of this world..."
While Ishizaki made a complicated expression in agreent, Ryuuen's face remained completely serious.
"That's why, if we're going to do it, we have no choice but to make it an orthodox 'team match' where each person gets only one fight. Even if he steps out in one of the slots and takes a guaranteed win, as long as Albert and the rest of you firmly secure victories in the remaining matches, we can still scrape a win for the event as a whole."
Faced with a thorough strategy that took the fathomless depths of a man nad Aizen Sousuke as a strict prerequisite, the mbers of Class C fell into a heavy silence.
"Th-Then... should we go crush their main forces before the exam starts? If we do that, we can..."
Ishizaki frantically made a dangerous suggestion, but Ryuuen scoffed and dismissed it instantly.
"Kukuku. Are you a moron? There's no way in hell that bastard Aizen hasn't considered that possibility. He's definitely ordered his class to strictly avoid moving around alone after school or on holidays. They've thoroughly adapted."
"He is entirely correct."
Kaneda also spoke up, chiding Ishizaki's plan.
"Furthermore, Aizen-san currently reigns as the Student Council Vice President. If we utilize such violent behind-the-scenes maneuvers, before we even talk about winning or losing the exam, there is a massive risk that Aizen-san will use his authority to slap us with the worst possible penalty—causing expulsions from our own class. The risk is simply too high."
"…Tch. Then what the hell are we supposed to do?"
Ishizaki clutched his head.
"If four of our events get selected, we have a fighting chance. But they'll reliably seize at least three spots with their academic events. If the final seventh event ends up being an academic type from their side, our defeat is guaranteed right then and there. ...For this one ti, we have to leave it to the luck of the draw."
After drawing that conclusion, Ryuuen narrowed his eyes like a snake targeting its prey, a fearless smirk playing on his lips.
"But... the ga is far from over. There are still two whole years left until graduation. …From here on, I'll pull the entire class up from the bottom, and in the end, I will absolutely drag Aizen, Sakayanagi, and Ayanokoji down beneath my feet."
Those words did not harbor the arrogant pride of a forr dictator; instead, they carried the gritty, mud-crawling obsession of a man who had tasted defeat and intended to claw his way up from rock bottom.
"…Indeed. While it won't carry any aning for this Event Selection Exam, looking ahead to the next school year, we should keep a 'coalition with Class D'... or more precisely, joining forces with Ayanokoji-san, well within our sights."
Kaneda presented an idea as the class's survival strategy moving forward.
The mont that na was uttered, a distinct tension rippled through the room among the individuals who had once been forced to grovel before his overwhelming violence on the rooftop.
"Huh?! Why with a guy like that?! I never want to see his face again!"
Ibuki was the first to voice her intense disgust, raising her voice.
"No, wait... but if it's Ayanokoji, then definitely!"
On the contrary, Ishizaki leaned forward, his eyes shining.
"If that guy becos our ally, nothing could be more reassuring!"
"Kuku. Exactly."
Ryuuen laughed from the depths of his throat, flatly laying out his outlook for the future.
"I'm not thrilled about joining forces with a bastard like Ayanokoji either, but that's the only way to beat those top guys. …Looking at the training camp and the recent Class Poll, Sakayanagi and Katsuragi of Class B have completely joined hands. If it were Sakayanagi or Katsuragi individually, there would be room to exploit a weakness... but with Class B completely unified as a single monolith, there's no way in hell we can win as we are now, no matter how much we struggle."
"…True. With Katsuragi-san moving under Sakayanagi-san's umbrella, Class B's defense has beco ironclad."
Kaneda nodded deeply in agreent.
"And it's the exact sa for Aizen and Ichinose of Class A. Those two are bound by a perfect relationship of mutual trust. …To overturn the overwhelming difference in fighting power from here and stage a coback against Class A and Class B, we have no choice but to utilize that monster's strength and exploit Class D. …I'll negotiate with Suzune directly during spring break."
"But... will Class D actually form an alliance with us?"
Ishizaki asked anxiously.
"Kukuku. Suzune isn't a moron. She understands well enough that if she keeps operating solo like this, she'll never beat the top two classes for the rest of her life. …Our interests align. If we grasp the bottom two classes and completely control them, we can use simple human-wave tactics to maneuver against Class A and Class B."
The flas of feral ambition ignited once more in Ryuuen's eyes.
"Wash your necks and wait for , Aizen, Sakayanagi. I will absolutely smash your little monopoly to pieces."
Inside the cramped, sealed room of the karaoke box, the leader of Class C quietly sharpened his fangs for a counterattack.
—anwhile, around the exact sa ti.
[Class A vs Class C]
[Class B vs Class D]
Staring at the results displayed on the monitor, Sakayanagi Arisu—who was serving as Class B's Commander—let the corners of her mouth curl up subtly, ensuring no one would notice.
(Fufufu... There was a bit of lottery luck involved, but with this, I can finally face you directly, Ayanokoji-kun... Allow to bury you with my own two hands.)
Spilling a smile filled with exquisite delight, Sakayanagi quietly gripped her cane.
After the horoom concluded, the core brains of Class B gathered in Katsuragi Kohei's room to hold a strategy eting.
Gathered in the room were six individuals, with Sakayanagi at the center: Katsuragi, Hashimoto, Kitou, Sanada, and Kamuro. Though they had once been split into the Sakayanagi and Katsuragi factions, after forging a perfect cooperative system through the recent Class Poll, the current Class B boasted unprecedented, solid solidarity.
"We pulled Class D exactly as targeted."
Katsuragi, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, broke the ice with a deep nod.
"Yeah. Against Class D, if we solidify our choices with academic tests, we have the nurical advantage too, so we can reliably secure at least three wins."
Hashimoto agreed with a relaxed, confident smirk. Compared to Class B with zero expulsions, Class D—which had lost one student—carried a distinct disadvantage under a pure total-score rule format.
"However, they do have a layer of students at the top of the school year in terms of academics, such as Yukimura-kun, Wang-san, and Horikita-san. Even if it's our chosen events, we cannot afford to be careless."
Sanada calmly analyzed the opponent's fighting power, urging caution.
"Fufufu. The opponent has no choice but to concentrate their top academic layer into a single subject. Judging by the best subjects of those three, it will likely be 'Mathematics' or 'English.' In that case, if we select subjects other than those two, our class's academic strength will guarantee a victory."
Sakayanagi voiced her counter-argunt fluidly.
"Precisely. However, do you intend to solidify all five of our genuine events with academic tests?"
To Katsuragi's question, Sakayanagi offered a soft smile.
"I would like you to forgive one selfishness of mine... I intend to include 'Chess.'"
"Chess, huh? I see."
After pondering for a brief mont, Katsuragi nodded in understanding.
"By utilizing a rule set where the Commander can heavily intervene, you will practically be fighting the opponent yourself. With your intellect, there shouldn't be any issue."
"If it's Hi-san, she'll reliably secure a win in chess, so it sounds viable, doesn't it?"
Hashimoto also chid in with an amused look.
"Fufufu. Thank you for listening to my selfishness. …As for the rest, let us have everyone in the class think of events they are confident in, and we will choose the ones with the highest win rates from among them."
The next day, March 10th.
During the morning horoom, Sakayanagi issued a notice to the entire class, asking everyone to brainstorm and submit events they felt confident in.
By the ti after-school hours arrived, a wide array of event ideas had poured in to Sakayanagi from nurous students.
Amidst this, a single female student appeared soundlessly in front of Sakayanagi's desk.
"Sakayanagi Arisu, let us select a pill-bug observation showdown. I possess imnse confidence in the ecology of pill-bugs."
The one who presented this absurd proposition with a completely deadpan face was Morishita Ai.
"...Pardon ?"
Even the unflappable Sakayanagi was caught completely off guard by the out-of-left-field suggestion. However, without waiting for Sakayanagi's response, Morishita simply said her piece and walked away with brisk steps.
(…Pill-bugs, was it? Her own ecology seems far more worthy of observation...)
After school in Katsuragi's room.
As a result of thoroughly vetting the submitted ideas, the 10 events Class B would submit were finalized.
[Genuine Events]: Modern Japanese Test, Physics Test, World History Test, Chess, Flash ntal Arithtic
[Bluff Events]: Mathematics Test, English Test, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Go
"A rock-solid selection. I have no objections."
Looking at the list, Katsuragi gave a powerful nod.
"Looks fine, doesn't it? All that's left is to raise everyone's foundational capability through study groups, right?"
Kamuro spoke up while twisting her hair presentationally out of boredom.
"Yes. That is exactly correct."
Sakayanagi smiled, turning her gaze to Katsuragi.
"Katsuragi-kun, if your chosen 'Flash ntal Arithtic' gets selected, I am expecting a definitive victory from you."
"Yeah. Leave it to ."
Katsuragi thumped his chest reliably.
"Furthermore, Masumi-san, Sanada-kun, and Hashimoto-kun will be playing chess with from now on. I will personally judge who has the best instincts and decide the participant mbers. …Kitou-kun, since the opponent harbors Sudou-kun, they will undoubtedly select basketball. I ask that you practice with the mbers I specify."
"Yeah. Got it."
Kitou nodded quietly, completing the division of labor.
Subsequently, through the chess matches with the three candidates, Hashimoto—who possessed the highest situational adaptability and could faithfully execute the Commander's instructions—was chosen to be the proxy player on the field for Chess.
(Fufufu... I look forward to it.)
On her way back to her room, Sakayanagi found herself enveloped in a pleasant sense of exhilaration entirely by herself.
(To ensure Class A doesn't pull too far ahead, we absolutely need to win this exam... but far more than that. Ayanokoji-kun, you who are the masterpiece of the White Room... I must personally prove to you that a 'false genius' stands no chance against a 'genuine genius.')
An absolute confidence, coupled with an unfathomable obsession.
Having established an ironclad setup, the Queen of Class B quietly sharpened her fangs for the impending decisive battle.
—Around the sa ti.
The Class D classroom, whose matchup against Class B had been locked in through the lottery, was enveloped in a heavily oppressive air.
Even after their horoom teacher, Chabashira-sensei, announced the match-ups and left the room, not a single person made an effort to open their mouth.
And it was only natural. It had only been a few days since their classmate, Yamauchi Haruki, had beco a sacrifice under the na of "expulsion."
At the front of the classroom, Hirata Yosuke—who used to look out for everyone more than anyone else as the central figure of the class—stared blankly at a single point on his desk, completely severing any connection with the outside world. Furthermore, the crowd that had been particularly close to Yamauchi remained deeply hunched over, unable to break free from the sense of loss over losing their friend, dragging a dark aura along with them.
However, ti marched on ruthlessly. If they stood frozen here, it would only breed further casualties.
"…May I have a mont."
Breaking the heavy silence, Horikita Suzune stood at the podium with a resolute attitude.
"Our opponent for the Event Selection Exam has been decided as Class B. As per the rules, we must decide who will take on the role of 'Commander,' which carries the penalty of expulsion if we lose... however..."
"…Regarding that, would it be alright if I did it?"
Cutting straight into Horikita's words, the one who raised his hand from the back of the classroom was—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
In that instant, the gazes of the entire class converged on all at once.
"Huh?! Y-You're gonna be the Commander?! You've gotta be kidding, do you intend to throw the match from the start?!"
Hondou shouted, his eyes wide with shock.
"Yeah! There's no way a gloomy guy like you can give precise instructions to everyone!"
Shinohara also raised her voice anxiously. Their reactions were perfectly reasonable. To them, an unremarkable student with no visible redeeming qualities volunteering for a Commander position that held the fate of the class would look like nothing short of a suicidal act.
"Quiet."
With a cold glance, Horikita silenced the rowdy classmates.
"Since losing the majority ans an expulsion will occur, there is no one more suited than Ayanokoji-kun, who holds a protection point. Is there anyone else here who wants to take on the risk of expulsion and volunteer for the Commander spot?"
At Horikita's sharp inquiry, both Hondou and Shinohara fell silent.
"…Furthermore, he is by no ans incompetent. He should be more than capable of fulfilling the role of Commander."
Horikita's defense was filled with absolute certainty. Since she—the practical leader of the class—went that far, the classmates reluctantly accepted my appointnt as Commander.
"The Commander is settled then. Next is the selection of the 10 events we will submit. This exam allows us to set fields we excel in as events. Therefore... I am giving everyone a howork assignnt. By tomorrow, I want you to think of an event where you are confident that 'I absolutely won't lose.' It can be academics, sports, or even a hobby like gaming."
At Horikita's call, the classmates looked at each another and slowly began to put their minds to work.
Amidst this, Ike suddenly stood up smoothly, covering his face with one hand as he let out a low, resonant voice.
"Hmph... It seems the ti has finally co for our hidden powers to be unleashed. With my 'True Special Skill' resurrected from the abyssal depths of darkness, I shall sink the folks of Class B to the absolute floor of despair..."
Letting out a deep sigh, Horikita pressed her temples as if enduring a headache.
During the previous training camp, Ike had been placed in the sa group as Class A's Aizen Sousuke. During that ti, he had beco utterly infatuated with Aizen's figure as he led the group with overwhelming prowess and charisma. Ever since, out of admiration for him, Ike had taken to spouting bizarre, stylized phrases.
Though his speech and behavior had beco highly eccentric, the current Ike was pushing himself through studying and physical conditioning so fiercely that everyone in the class acknowledged it, and he was actually starting to deliver results. Because of that, even though Horikita was exasperated, she found herself unable to chide him harshly.
"…I will be expecting great things tomorrow."
Delivering words laced with exhaustion but carrying distinct trust, Horikita promptly declared the eting adjourned.
After school.
While the students trickled out of the classroom, I remained in my seat alone, letting my thoughts spin regarding what was to co.
(…A match against Class B. The developnt is exactly as Sakayanagi desired.)
Class B's comprehensive strength and average academic capability undeniably outstripped Class D by a wide margin. However, this exam's rule format—allowing each class to set its own unique events—was by no ans disadvantageous for Class D.
(While Class D lacks comprehensive power and coordination, it harbors a high concentration of 'specialized talent'—individuals who possess protruding talents strictly within specific fields. If we prepare the specialties of those who excel in a single art, such as Sudou and Onodera, as our events, it will be impossible for even the excellent Class B to perfectly cover all of them.)
If we can properly deploy Class D's specialized potential onto the board, we can easily fish out a winning chance, even against a higher-ranked opponent like Class B. Winning itself is by no ans an impossibility.
But—the true problem for did not lie in the victory or defeat against Class B.
(The real problem is... how 'Acting Director Tsukishiro' will move in order to have expelled.)
Tsukishiro, who had been sent in as an assassin from the White Room. There was no way in hell he wouldn't use the absolute authority of the school side to intervene in this exam.
This Event Selection Exam dictates that if the Commander loses the majority, they are expelled. And right now, I possess a protection point—a "one-ti exemption right from expulsion."
(He will undoubtedly attempt to strip away my protection point through any ans necessary by exploiting this exam.)
A battle of brains against Sakayanagi of Class B.
And a battle of authority against Tsukishiro, who will likely intervene from off the board.
Faced with a ga board where two highly troubleso elents intertwined, I quietly began to spin defensive strategies, ensuring no one would notice.
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