After finishing breakfast, the formal classes begin. The entire large group is gathered in a classroom larger than the school's, resembling a university lecture hall. It seems that the classes here are about speeches—how well one can present, essentially a matter of high communication skills. For me and Kito, it feels like a hellish class, but it seems to be Shibata's strong suit. The criteria for judgment are volume, content, posture, and delivery method, and we will be doing this daily with different topics.
The classes progress moment by moment, including physical endurance running practice. The last class in the afternoon turns out to be unexpectedly Zen meditation. The moment it ends, everyone collapses on the spot.
"Ouch, this is really painful!"
"So painful, it's like hell."
Shibata and I were already dreading this class every day. Not just us, but looking behind, there's Komiya and Kondo, both exhausted, Okiya with a puzzled expression, and especially Kito, who seems to feel nothing at all. It seems everyone is accumulating fatigue.
"Hey, Horagasaki, isn't today's class a bit too much with the half-squat?"
"...Well, maybe it's because your usual posture is a half-squat?"
"No, I don't get it at all. I don't get it at all."
Shibata laughs while tired.
After having dinner and carrying the finished trays, I find a crowd on the way. Thinking there might be some trouble, I look and see Yamauchi from the same class collided with Sakayanagi, who apologizes and tries to get up on her own without taking Yamauchi's hand.
"Sakayanagi-chan is cute, but dense, you know?"
Even though she probably collided on her own, I approach since our eyes somehow meet.
"Are you okay?"
"Thank you for your concern. It's nothing major; I just fell once, that's all."
It's scary, she's smiling, but it doesn't look like a genuine smile. I think it's amazing that I can talk to someone like her. Isn't she the final boss?
"Well then, excuse me. Oh, Horagasaki-kun, would you like to play chess together sometime?"
Why chess? I wondered, but it must be her strong suit. I'll do my best.
"Well, anytime is fine."
"Hehe, looking forward to it."
Sakayanagi walks away with a slight limp, and as he passes by Ayanokoji, their eyes meet, prompting him to approach.
"Jin, how's it going?"
"It's going smoothly. You have Koenji and Nagumo-senpai over there, right? It must be tough for you too."
"If you think so, change it for me."
"Isn't it obvious?"
I can see Kiyotaka's struggles, but I don't want to join such a weird group.
"Is Keisei okay?"
"Not okay, but I'm supporting him to some extent. Koenji was too carefree, and the members were troubled."
"I see."
Come to think of it, Keisei was the biggest victim. He's the leader, and the members are unique. Koenji is definitely uncontrollable; if it were me, I'd be a nervous wreck.
Afterward, it became free time for everyone, so I returned to my room, but there was nothing to do.
"Ah... bored, huh?"
"Indeed."
When I muttered that, Beppu replied.
"Everyone, I brought UNO!"
Nice one, Shibata. Our group spent time playing UNO that Shibata brought.
"Since we have the opportunity, the loser has to do a solo performance!"
"Eh?"
Everyone hesitates, but since such opportunities are rare, everyone agrees. The card game we haven't played in a while turns out to be surprisingly fun, and we get absorbed in it.
"I didn't say 'UNO,' too bad, add two more cards!"
"...I said it. Horagasaki, you must have misheard."
"You definitely didn't say that, did you?"
"...It's your turn next, Horagasaki."
"You're really hanging in there..."
Kito and I, while having a conversation like elementary school kids, though mostly one-sided, exchange such words. Laughter accompanies the conversation, making it clear that we're enjoying it. However, Onito's demeanor is surprisingly mature, enough that he doesn't look like a high school student, and it's a bit intimidating.
"Formation B, next to me is Beppu, and next to Komiya is Horagasaki!"
"Why do we need to change places?"
"Just listen to the leader, Horagasaki, Private Second Class! Yes, yes, you just answered back, Horagasaki, Private Second Class! The atmosphere is getting really bad now."
Damn it, Shibata, this guy is joking around too much. Why is he taking the lead?
"Alright, Round 3!"
The UNO game continues, and as for the results...
"I lost."
Yes, I lost. So, I have to do a solo performance.
"Alright, Horagasaki, anything goes for your one-shot!"
"It's not a joke, but... is it okay?"
I'm not good with performances, so I don't really understand. It might have been fine to do something like Kojima Yoshio's, but that's too old. So, I decided to showcase something else.
"If you're okay with anything, then fine!"
"I want to see too!"
"What are you doing, Horagasaki!"
"Alright, I'll do it, but everyone step back a bit and give me some space."
As I say that, everyone has a "?" mark floating over their heads. Well, they wouldn't know what I'm going to do.
"Here I go... ha!"
Saying so, I perform a backflip. Everyone starts applauding.
"Oh~!!"
Surprisingly embarrassing, isn't it? Some people do it effortlessly, but the shame when you fail is unbelievably intense.
"Horagaski, amazing!! Can you do a back handspring!?"
Shibata and Komiya seem interested and ask. So, wanting to show off a bit, I move a table that suits the room and make some space. At that moment, Onito starts speaking.
".....Why did you make so much space?"
"Well, just thought of responding to a request..."
"I see."
Saying that, I take a short run and perform a roundoff back handspring in the somewhat confined space. A stationary back handspring is not allowed as there's a risk of falling headfirst when curling the legs.
"Woah, amazing!!"
The entire group is covered in joy. Well, this is kinda nice, these moments. And for some reason, Shibata is recording with a video camera. What are you doing, man?
...….
On the third day of the training camp, even on Saturday, there are classes since we're staying here.
"...."
Around, the sound of chopping ingredients with a knife can be heard. While half asleep, I also cut vegetables, but Shibata takes control.
"No, dangerous, dangerous! You're not sleeping, are you?! How can you cut vegetables like that, huh?... All perfectly even. Too skilled."
Apparently, the vegetables I casually cut while half asleep were all perfectly even. It was a day when I realized that I might be quite skillful. I continue cutting the things laid out silently. Currently, I'm cutting onions, and the fumes make my eyes sting, or rather, sting too much, and I end up waking up completely.
"Uwaa, my eyes hurt!"
"Are you okay, Horagasaki!?"
"Get a towel!"
"You should take a short break."
"So this is his weakness..."
Everyone is kind and caring; it warms my heart. Huh? Wait a minute. Onitou, do you see me as an enemy? Well, I thought you should worry, but it seems he doesn't feel that way.
During the third period of moral education, the class ended early, so I peek outside and see that the girls are apparently doing some stamina-building exercises. My attention goes to Ichinose, who is running. Of course, almost all the guys are focused on Ichinose's chest.
"Horagasaki, our Ichinose is amazing, you know?"
I know, I've touched that. But seeing Shibata proudly grinning about it, I thought he's scum. Well, I'm scum too, but still.
"You're the worst..."
"Just me!? All boys around this age are like that, right? So, are you different!?"
"I have... some interest, yes."
"See?"
Observing the situation outside, I notice that in Ichinose's group, Michi-chan and Shiina, who were in the same group for the Chinese zodiac test, were present. Since Michi-chan is not good at sports, Ichinose is accompanying her until the end, while Shiina, tired but still smiling, cheers for them. What's with that paradise? It's like a super healing spot.
"Shibata, what's that over there? A paradise?"
"The healing place, named Careland!"
"Damn, amazing. It's on a whole different level."
"Hahaha, right!"
I stay silent in disbelief at the terrible naming sense. While having such a pointless conversation, our next class is also physical education, so we quickly change and head to the field.
There seems to be a reason for doing long-distance running, and apparently, there will be a relay race on the final day's exam.
"Hey, are you guys okay?"
When Shibata calls out, I turn around and see a tired but determined Okitani, and Watanabe, whose pace is a bit slow. Thinking that he must be bad at long-distance running, we all decide to lower our pace.
Classes continue to progress, and today's classes come to an end.
...….
In order to relax and relieve fatigue after class, Shiba and I headed to the large bathhouse. Then, Shiba began to say something that was strangely interesting and uninteresting at the same time.
"Hey, Horagaski! Aren't you curious about whose 'that' is huge!?"
"You really seem to be enjoying life, huh?"
"What the heck is that!"
As we were having such a conversation, Shiba called over Kanzaki, who was talking near the entrance, and beckoned him. In response, Kiyotaka also arrived.
"What's up, Shiba? You look so happy."
"Well, you see, we got excited about something interesting."
"Something strange?"
"We're talking about who has the biggest 'it' in our grade!"
"'It'? What does that mean?"
Shiba pointed with a smile at the area around his waist, wrapped in a towel. Look at you, Kanzaki, looking puzzled. You seem quite adult in character, so you're probably amazed. And without realizing it, you've kept your distance. Kiyotaka also seems to be subtly pulling away.
"Who's the interim champion for now?"
Sudo, who overheard the conversation, firmly secured Kiyotaka. Unfortunately, he couldn't escape. Most of them have towels wrapped around, but Sudo confidently shows off his figure.
"Oh... as expected of Sudo."
Shiba swallows hard. At this point, it seems that Kaneda is the reigning champion. Ike and Yamauchi join, and Sudo, representing Class C, confronts Kaneda.
"Glasses even in the bath?"
"Well, otherwise, my vision is too bad to see."
Saying so, Kaneda adjusts his glasses. Hey, isn't it difficult to see in the bath because of the fog? Kaneda removes the towel he had wrapped around, and Sudo cheers.
"All right! I'm the champion, it's decided!"
"Champion? Don't make me laugh, Sudo."
It seemed like it was over, but then Katsuragi's friend... what was his name again? Well, whatever. He challenges Sudo. I thought he wouldn't be a match, but he persuades Katsuragi, who is the boss, to agree. However, Katsuragi seems unwilling to participate in the fight. But the tension in the surroundings keeps rising.
"Seriously, we can't even wash our heads calmly like this."
Keep the fact that there is hair to wash a secret, okay, Hitoshi-kun? Because you're kind.
"The match is just a moment, Katsuragi."
"...Do as you like."
Thinking that accepting the challenge was the best, Katsuragi slowly stands up and faces Sudo.
"W-What is this!?"
Yamauchi, who turned to be the judge, crouches down. The result was an unexpected draw. They were indeed of similar size, and it was an incredible fight. Just when I thought it wouldn't end immediately, this time Ishizaki challenges.
"Hmph, how naive."
"Hah, don't make me laugh, Ishizaki. You're not even worth talking to."
Katsuragi's friend proudly puffs up his chest, as if there's no need to fight. Well, you're not fighting either.
"I'm not the one fighting. Alberto! It's your turn!"
No, that's not a good idea; you'll lose. Even Sudo seemed shaken the moment that name was mentioned. Alberto, wearing sunglasses even in the bath, is remarkable even through a towel. Still, Sudo confronts him.
"Go, Alberto!"
"W-What is this!?"
Everyone swallows their saliva and watches in silence as a tension-filled moment unfolds.
"I... lost."
With a single word from the champion, Sudo, a sense of defeat crumbles from his knees. It might seem trivial, but for them, it appears to be a significant event.
"So, this is the strength of Alberto, the final boss!"
Shiba, Ike, and Yamauchi lose their fighting spirit and collapse. At the moment when it seemed like there was no opponent left, everyone was about to give up.
"Hahaha, it seems like you're having fun doing childish things, huh?"
Breaking the heavy atmosphere, Koenji laughs loudly.
"What's up, Koenji? Aren't you frustrated? Look at Ken's pathetic state!"
"I know, Red Hair-kun was putting up a good fight, but..."
"What? Are you saying you can take on Alberto?"
"I am a perfect man, both physically and ultimately. Since there is no one superior to me, I don't engage in pointless battles."
"Even if you say that, you might not be that great in reality, right?"
"Truly foolish. But occasionally, joining in on your games could be interesting."
As if accepting a challenge, Takasenji brushes his hair back.
"So, is it okay if I go up against Alberto?"
No, extending the pole.
"No! It's Katsuragi!"
Katsuragi stands in the field as the representative of Japan, or rather, is made to stand. However, even with Katsuragi in view, Takasenji, who doesn't attempt to leave the bathtub, seems unfazed by the taunts from Ishizaki. The phenomenon occurs where next to Katsuragi, Alberto, the representative from overseas, makes Katsuragi's "thing" look insignificant.
The expression on Koenji's face dramatically changes upon witnessing this.
"Bravo! I see, I see. Truly a world representative; it seems you're not just for show. Normally, I wouldn't show it to a man, but it's a one-time service."
Facing off the eccentric against the champion, Koenji strikes a pose and unveils a towel wrapped in a veil. It's like a holy sword, or rather, it might be even more impressive than Excalibur.
Alberto, surprised, raises his voice.
"Oh my God. It's like a monster. I couldn't possibly compete."
"Horagasaki, what's Alberto saying?"
Not understanding what Alberto is saying, Shiba looks at me with a puzzled expression and asks a question. Frankly, I hadn't heard either, so I try to come up with something random to say.
"Um, he really loves caramel-flavored popcorn..."
"You didn't say that, did you!?"
Well done, Shiba. He even retorts to my random response.
"This proves that I am a perfect human being."
"Are you really human?"
Sudo could only evaluate the overwhelming difference in horsepower. Just when everyone was about to give up,
"Hehe, wait a moment, Koenji."
A daring voice came from the bathtub where Koenji was until a moment ago.
"Ryu... Ryuen...."
Someone notices the true identity, and color appears in the eyes of the man who was watching Alberto and Koenji's battle.
"Could it be that you can be my opponent?"
"No, but there might be someone who can put up a good fight."
Hmm, I have a bad feeling about this.
"Oh, who might that be?"
Koenji, too, seems interested as he calls out to Ryuen.
"I don't know, but if my intuition is correct, there are only two people in this place with towels wrapped around them, right, Horagaski, Ayanokoji?"
This guy really has a good personality. While Clear and I are not moving at all, Koenji laughs.
"Hahaha, there's no need to be embarrassed, Rich Boy and Ayanokoji Boy."
It seems there's no way to escape now. No, there might still be a strategy. As Clear and I nod in agreement...
"You guys, cheer for us."
Hey, didn't you drop out? Why are you acting like a leader only at times like this!
"Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!"
We can't counter this anymore. I unravel the towel I had wrapped around myself.
"W-What is this!?"
"You... you're too big."
"Woahhh!"
We are met with eyes filled with amazement from the bathtub, and some even applaud. Why is this happening?
"Hehehe, Rich Boy, you're amazing. It seems you've had quite the experience, but it looks like you can't compare to me."
It appears that my 'attribute' is smaller than Koenji's and larger than Alberto's. Damn it, Ryuen. I won't forgive you. However, the crucial Clear is still wrapped in a veil. Clear's towel receives calls, and as Clear removes it himself, the ongoing calls drop dramatically. Then, silence prevails.
"... No way?"
I involuntarily raise my voice.
"Is, is Ayanokoji serious?"
"Unbelievable..."
"Haha! Ayanokoji Boy, splendid!"
Whispers spread around, as if it's a battle resembling a T-Rex. Even Koenji seems impressed, and he's about the same size as Koenji, who was feared even by Koenji.
If Sudo is Berioros, Katsuragi is Rathalos, Alberto is Nergigante, then Koenji is Diablos, and Kiyotaka is like Mira Boreas. By the way, I'm positioned around Mufeto Jiva. (Note: Apologies if you're not familiar with these references.)
As everyone is stunned, I raise my voice because there's something I need to do.
"...Clear's is huge, but everyone! Didn't Ryuen, who called for cheers, also make you curious?"
When I say that, everyone raises their voices simultaneously. Ryuen approaches us with a smug face.
"What's wrong? Feeling frustrated, Horagasaki? You lost to Ayanokoji, right?"
It seems like he's provoking, but I don't fall for such a cheap taunt. Without hesitation, I grab the veil that Ryuen had wrapped around himself.
"There, take it!"
"What!"
Everyone looks at Ryuen's 'attribute.' In terms of size, it's about the same as Katsuragi and Sudo, well, let's say it's like Teostra, for now.
However, seeing Ryuen's 'attribute,' I burst into laughter.
"Ahahaha! You're circumcised, you dragon! A dragon with foreskin, ahahaha!"
"Hehehe, there's no need to worry, Dragon Boy. From today, you've become a proud Hokey Boy."
While holding my stomach and laughing, I point at Ryuen. Koenji sends a provocation without malice.
"You guys... are you ready?"
Seeing the veins popping on Ryuen's forehead, everyone thought it was dangerous. All together, we managed to restrain Ryuen before things got out of hand.
"Wow, the bath was great. But, Horagasaki, your 'attribute' is too big!"
"Idiot, your voice is too loud!"
"But Ayanokoji's monster was something else, like that T-Rex!"
"Shiba, shut up for a moment."
"Yes, sorry."
The content of the conversation between Shiba and me seems to have been shared by many boys. While drinking water from the water dispenser placed in the corridor, the girls who came out of the adjacent women's bath turned red-faced.
Perhaps the boys' 'attributes' reached their ears. Ryuen, you have to endure even if you're asked about it.
=================================
Want to read advanced chapter?
Give me your stone to this novel to reach the milestone that will give you bonus chapter per day!!!
50-100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter / Day
100-200 Power Stones = 2 Bonus Chapters / Day
200-300 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters / Day
Want to support me?
You can join as member in my P4TR30N
p4treon.com/ShirooYuki ( Change 4 to a)
See ya!!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!