章節 17: Chapter 17: Traitor and Growing Feelings?
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(A/N: I want review to cheer me up!,I want review to cheer me up!,I want review to cheer me up!,I want review to cheer me up!,I want review to cheer me up!,I want review to cheer me up!,)
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The men gather at the gathering place and form a cavalry camp.
On horseback, Sudo, Ayanokoji, and Miyake. The strongest horse with Hirata as its jockey. Wow, this is too strong. At first I was planning to make this cavalry a general, but for some reason unknown to me, it was decided that the horse I would be the jockey for would be a general.
The girls were wiped out, so we had no choice but to make up for it. To put it bluntly, I'm disgusted and depressed. All I can do is ask Yukimura, Okitani, and Tonomura on horseback to do their best.
When it was decided that I would be a jockey, this was the strategy I asked the horseman to follow.
All you have to do is run around for the 3 minute time limit, making sure you don't get surrounded. It's hard to say this, but the other three of us have poor motor skills, so we don't even think about stealing the enemy's headband in order to reduce the burden on the three supporting us.
Well, it's actually lame so I can't say anything. But if you don't do this, you won't win.
Why am I the general? Make it Hirata.
Hirata: "I asked for it."
Hirata also agreed to this story. They were having some kind of strategy meeting, but since I wasn't going to participate in the attack, I was only half listening.
Then, the start signal sounds.
"Aim for the fucking head of Ryūen! Let's blow it away!''
At the same time as the start, the seven cavalry horses of the red group, excluding my cavalry, charged. Watching this, Ryūen, the jockey of a C-class general, grinned fearlessly.
Wow, that's a really bad face. But Sudo's horsepower, Hirata's technique, and Ayanokoji and Miyake's athleticism. That ace cavalry alone can destroy 2 or 3 cavalry.
For now, I think I'll be able to nail one horse. In the worst case scenario, we will have to deal with the other four horses.
My cavalry was cautious in case multiple cavalry attacked, so I decided not to move much from my own position in order to conserve my stamina, but the battle situation was better than I expected. Sudo launched a ramming strategy against the enemy, destroying a total of three cavalry members of the White Troupe. Good, Sudo, do more. Well, I don't get any points because the cavalry just collapsed....
Although the A class lost 3 cavalry, I took away the headbands of Shibata, Kanzaki and the other B class general cavalry. The other two cavalry were also defeated, and the remaining enemies were only two cavalry, including Ryuen's cavalry. Then Ryuen gives orders to the other horse.
Ryuen: "You guys should aim over there, they're all trash except Horagasaki.''
Then, another horseman ordered by Ryuen comes towards me.
Jin: "I'll take care of the rest. Everyone just do as I'm told."
"Uh, yeah. I, I get it!" Even if you do as I'm told, just move left and right and spin around.
For now, my priority is to concentrate on escaping. "Damn, wait!" I hear the enemy jockey's voice. Sorry, can't wait?
??: "Haaaaaaaaaah...hey, Horagasaki, I'm almost at my limit..."
Jin: "Well, it can't be helped! So, what are we going to do?"
I asked him about the situation on the front line. There, a somewhat strange scene unfolded.
Jin: "Why aren't they sandwiched between them...?"
For some reason, a duel was taking place between Hirata's horse and Ryuen's horse. There are two horses next to it, but they don't seem to be joining in. I'm curious, but that's fine for now. There's no sign of Ryuen coming here. This could also be a one-on-one battle.
Jin: ".....lets do it"
??: "So, you can do it!?"
Jin: "There's less than a minute left, so it's better than not doing anything. We'll make it through somehow.''
When I said that, all three of us stopped and turned to the other person. Seeing this, the other party also stopped and seemed to be waiting for an opportunity to attack us. If you just concentrate on avoiding them, you should be able to handle the current situation of single combat.
The enemy horseman quickly points his hand at me. I ducked backwards to avoid it. Then it came even closer, so this time I parried the arm itself and defended myself.
"Damn..." After that, I kept dodging and dodging and dodging. Are you avoiding me? But it must be annoying from the other side.
Time remaining is approaching. 4 seconds left. At this point, the opponent threw away his defense and extended his hand defenselessly.
I turn my neck to the left and pull my outstretched arm further toward me, causing me to lose my balance.
Jin: "Wow!?"
As my body falls forward, a head wrapped in a headband inevitably approaches me. The enemy stepped back, sensing that he was about to be taken, but the moment their cooperation broke down, I had already grabbed the headband.
As soon as the final signal sounds, it slides off the opponent's head. It ended there.
Good work.
Jin: "...tired"
??: "That's amazing!''
It seems that my play just now was being debated as to whether it would count or not, but I managed to score a point.
I turned my attention to Hirata and the others from earlier. However, the headbands of the remaining jockeys, including Hirata, were in Ryūen's hands.
Jin: "...Everyone was taken, did something happen?''
I asked Miyake, who was nearby.
Miyake: "Actually..."
Then, Ryuen provoked Sudo and led him to take it to Taiman. I couldn't convince Sudo. I grabbed Ryuen's headband several times, but it slipped unnaturally and I wasn't able to grab it. They received an explanation that they had been taken as a result.
Jin:"Haah..." I look at Sudo with a sigh.
Sudo: "Hey, it's a foul! You put something on your headband!?"
Ryuen: "Ah? You know what? If there's something on it, it's probably hair wax. Don't be a loser making a fuss all the time.''
That's all Ryuen said, and went back happily. On the other hand, Sudo is furious. It looked like it was going to grow horns any minute now.
Jin: "…That's it."
Worst of all, Sudo finally lost his temper and hit Hirata, who covered it up.
What are you doing...
I didn't see the process leading up to that, so I don't know the details, but I think Hirata's words made him angry. In the end, the White team won more headbands, so the Red team was defeated.
Sudo: "You can't do it. Just give in, you small fry. Fuck the sports festival,'' Sudo spat, and ran off somewhere.
Jin: "...Are you okay, Hirata?"
Hirata: "Yeah. I got a little bit of a good thing...but this situation is really bad.''
Hirata, who is thinking first about his class winning at the sports festival, doesn't care about being beaten by Sudo. It didn't look like he was doing anything.
As Hirata said, the current D-class is objectively in a very bad situation.
I begin preparations for the 200m run, the last all-participation event. Sudo didn't come back when the time came, so Ace was absent. This is a serious blow to the D class.
Ryuen: "Hirata. What's wrong with Sudo? Is it the toilet?''
With a creepy smile on his face, Ryuen called out to Hirata behind him.
Hirata: "For some reason, Sudo-kun is taking a break. I think he'll be back soon."
Ryuen: ``Kuku, you shouldn't say things that have no basis.''
Hirata: " Moreover, I heard that Ryuen-kun has come first in all individual competitions up until now.''
Hirata called out to him with a quiet fighting spirit burning in his back.
Ryuen: "What about it?"
Hirata: "It means I know what you're thinking. You know the D-class participation list, and you're using it.''
That's what Hirata told him, but Ayanokoji was surprised. There is no sign that he is doing so.
Ryuen: "It would be interesting if it weren't for the bluff. It's something you'd notice if you watched the confrontations so far. Even if you don't know the truth, you'll be able to fool me."
Hirata: "Yeah. So I'm going to make a declaration: I'm going to show you something interesting before today ends."
Ryuen: "Do you think it's something interesting? If so, I'll keep it fun."
...
Lunch time.
It seems that high-quality bento boxes, which can be eaten free of charge, are being ordered from outside the premises, and almost all the students rush to pick them up, but in order to avoid the crowds, Yamauchi goes ahead and picks up the bento boxes.
Hirata: "Horagasaki-kun. Is it lunch time now?''
At that moment, Hirata, who was passing by, called out to me.
Jin: "Hmm, ah."
Hirata: "Then, if you don't mind, would you like to eat with me? I want to eat with Horagasaki-kun,"
Hirata said, looking at a group of men and women a little further away. Among them were girls from Karuizawa and Matsushita, as well as Ayanokoji.
Jin: "Okay...let's go then.''
I sit cross-legged on the blue sheet and shovel my lunch. As expected from a high-class bento, it was delicious. Since it is usually handmade, it is emphasized even more.
Ayanokoji: "This...is delicious."
Ayanokoji looked a little excited and was eating deliciously, so I made a promise before I decided to eat too.
Jin: "Again, you're exaggerating, Ayanokouji. You're overreacting when you say that. Hmm!!"
When I said that, everyone laughed and I was grateful that it didn't slip. Especially Matsushita burst into laughter, and amidst the tension, I felt a bit relaxed and personally thought it was a nice play.
Well, if everyone is laughing so much and it was that amusing, then that's good.
There are people like Hirata and Karuizawa who talk a lot, and people like me and Ayanokoji who don't talk much and just eat, and there is a difference in the time it takes to finish eating. Ayanokoji and I, along with Ike, finished eating, and then Hirata brought up the conversation.
Hirata:"Ryuen-kun, he really made a move, huh?"
Hirata's mention of Ryuen's movement, is it about the headband from earlier, or is it about an informant...
Karuizawa: "So who's the traitor? Yosuke-kun, you probably have a rough idea, right?"
Karuizawa, with an expression as if saying "been waiting for this," makes it clear that it's about the "traitor in Class D."
Hirata: "No, there are a few things I don't know. Can you help me clear those up?"
From Hirata's tone, it seems that Ayanokoji knows who the traitor is. Well, I have a rough idea too. Probably Kushida.
Ayanokoji: "I intend to do that eventually. But I can't reveal who the traitor is right here and now."
Hirata: "Huh? Why not?"
Ayanokoji: "Because it could cause confusion in the class."
Even if he genuinely thinks so, it's not unnatural, but in this guy's case, it feels more fitting to think he has another purpose.
Karuizawa: "Why are you so indifferent about it... Is it okay to be so carefree?"
While saying this, Karuizawa is casting a suspicious gaze as if there might be someone close who could be the traitor.
Ayanokoji: "Measuring the morality of the traitor, something like that."
Hirata: "Morality?"
Ayanokoji: "I want them to repent without cornering them. That's the idea."
Hirata: "Is this under the instructions of Horikita?"
Ayanokoji: "Yeah, that's right."
I see. So he's explaining it to Hirata like that. I don't know if he believes it or not.
Karuizawa: "So, where is this Horikita?"
Ayanokoji: "She's doing something only she can do."
Hirata: "Yeah. For us, Sudou-kun is the one we can rely on."
Karuizawa seemed dissatisfied with Sudou being relied upon, but the outcome of this sports festival depends on Horikita.
...…
After finishing lunch, the recommended events begin in the afternoon. Right now, one of those events, the Borrowed Item Relay, is taking place. The overall atmosphere in Class D is not great. This is due to both Sudo and Horikita being absent. Well, regarding Horikita, even if she were here with the condition of her leg, it's uncertain if she would be a valuable asset. However, the absence of the two individuals who possess top-class physical abilities in Class D creates a strong sense of defeat.
With some free time, I was chatting with Matsushita.
Matsushita: "Horagasaki-kun, you run pretty fast! Above average!"
Jin: "Really? Matsushita, you're fast too, right? You're not going all out."
Matsushita: "Huh? ...No, I am, I am."
Jin: "Hehe, let's just leave it at that then."
Matsushita: "Yeah///"
At that moment, someone approached us. As that person came closer, Matsushita wore a worried expression.
Masumi: "Come here for a moment."
Jin: "Huh?"
The owner of the voice was Masumi. Masumi blushed and, looking down, grabbed the hem of my clothes and led me away. Why me? I wondered, but there seemed to be a need to hurry, so I decided to follow. Despite being enemies, if someone relies on me, I have to respond.
Jin: "By the way... Why did I have to 'come quietly'?"
She doesn't seem to care about my opinion. Thinking so, we approached Teacher Hoshinomiya at the finish line.
Hoshinomiya: "...Is this okay?"
Masumi nodded bluntly while saying this, and the microphone was handed to Masumi. For some reason, I was given a crown and an expensive-looking king's cloak with a long hem. Half-forced by Hoshinomiya-Sensei, I was told, "Okay, behave yourself," and made to wear them.
This is really... What's going on?
Hoshinomiya: "Alright, follow this and declare your class, name, and something related to the theme. Oh, and you have to prove that there's no lie, according to the rules."
I froze. I don't even know the content, and I was taken here without my consent. I stood there, not knowing what to do. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Masumi, still looking bewildered, finally made up her mind. Holding the microphone with both hands, she said in a loud but embarrassed voice,
Masumi: "I, first-year Class A, Kamuro Masumi... um, for the theme of the Borrowed Item Relay, it was written 'bring someone of the opposite sex whom you find cool,' so... I brought him. He's first-year Class D, Horagasaki Jin."
Saying that, Masumi blushed, covered her face with both hands, and looked down. Seriously, the school has some malicious intent, and why am I a king just because we get along well? Masumi's words echoed on the field, and there was a moment of silence.
But the next moment...
??: "Whooooa!"
??: "Squeeee!"
Cheers erupted from both boys and girls.
Ah, I can't go back to the class now.
??: "Amazing! Is it a confession!?"
??: "Nice, they're a couple!"
??: "Handsome guy and a beautiful girl! They're so cool!"
??: "The guy is a genuine king! Handsome!"
??: "Wow, Horagasaki really suits that!"
And so on... Wait, I'm not her boyfriend! We're just friends with benefits! It's a relationship that can't be spoken of! Probably Shibata in the end. I'll scold him later.
I looked at Masumi, who had her face covered. She blushed, and there were tears in her eyes. Well, yeah, it takes quite some courage...
Jin: "Well, Masumi, you did well."
Masumi: "...Yeah."
I patted Masumi's head, instilling a sense of relief. The onlookers, having witnessed this, raised their cheers even more.
??: "Gyaaaa, Horagasaki-kun is so cool!"
??: "Good job, boyfriend! That's what a man should be!"
No, I'm not an exhibit, you know...
While Masumi kept her face covered, she returned the microphone to the teacher. As I was about to take off the clothes and hand them over, the teacher said,
Hoshinomiya: "This is presented to the Prince Jinjin in the King's outfit♪"
??: "Whoooaaa!"
...Hey, what am I supposed to do with this?
I took Masumi's hand and headed towards the finish line. I think this is fine, but is it right? And this costume is hot; I want to take it off quickly.
...
Returning to the class, Karuizawa and others are grinning and looking in my direction, while Ike and Yamauchi are in an uproar. And here I am, dressed like this. What is this...
Ayanokoji and Miyake commented, "Does it suit you...?" Hirata applauded with a smile, saying, "You look cool, Horagasaki-kun." When I looked at Matsushita, she was clapping with a slightly sad look. When I tried to talk to her, she said, "Sorry, later..." and avoided me. Well, I've been avoided.
Yes, my high school life is over.
Then a voice came from the other side.
Sudo: "Sorry, I'm late."
It was Sudo. Horikita also comes towards us a bit later.
Hirata: "You came back."
Horikita: "...Sorry. The poop took a little longer."
I feel a slightly different atmosphere from Sudou than before. Somewhere, it feels bright and clear. However, the expressions directed at Sudou are far from welcoming.
Sudo: "First, let me apologize. Because I lost my temper, I ended up hitting Hirata and ruined the class atmosphere. The current pinch is also my responsibility."
Saying that, Sudou deeply bowed his head. Honestly, I was surprised. No one would have imagined Sudou taking such action.
Ike: "Yeah, Ken, not like you."
Sudo: "You have to admit it when you're wrong. Kanji, you should apologize too."
Sudou, who used to put me in a headlock every chance he got, is nowhere to be seen. He's also apologizing sincerely to Ike.
Ike:"It's not your fault that we're losing. I can't do much in sports... Sorry for not being useful."
Sudo showing such sincerity gradually softens everyone's attitude.
Sudo: "If a substitute for the relay hasn't been decided yet, let me run."
Hirata: "Of course. There's no one more suitable than you."
Horikita: "May I ask for a substitute in the relay... With this leg, I don't think I can achieve satisfactory results."
Hirata: "Is it okay, Horikita? You've been working hard for this relay, right?"
Horikita: "I have no choice. In this condition... I'm sorry."
Following Sudou, Horikita also bowed. This might be the most straightforward she's been so far. In this sports festival, Horikita must have been thoroughly crushed. It led to Horikita's growth. That's probably what it is. In the end, Kushida stands in for Horikita, and now it's decided that Hirata, Sudo, Miyake, Maeda, Onodera, and Kushida will be the representatives. At that moment, Hirata spoke up.
Miyake: "Um, sorry for the suddenness, but actually, I... hurt my leg earlier. Can I ask someone to be my substitute?"
Then Miyake also speaks.
??: "Wait a moment. Sorry, but... Can I also ask for a substitute? Actually, I twisted my foot in the 200m run this morning... I thought it would heal in a bit, but it still hurts."
Come to think of it, there was a slight awkwardness in his walking when I saw him earlier. Was that what it was? But now, we need another substitute from the boys.
Ayanokoji"Hey, can I run? Of course, I'll score the points for the substitute."
The one who raised that voice was Ayanokoji. The surroundings are surprised that Ayanokoji, who hasn't stood out much so far, raised his voice. I was also surprised, but in my case, the surprising part was a bit different. Why did Ayanokoji volunteer now... that was the question.
Hirata: "I agree. I've been watching everyone so far, and I think he's someone who will produce good results. The other one is Horagasaki-kun, can I ask you too?"
That "interesting thing" I told Ryuen earlier might be this. Maybe Hirata expected Ayanokoji to participate in the relay. And if I'm recommended by Hirata, the classmates will say, "Hey, it's the prince!" Hey, seriously...
Hirata: "D Class isn't the basic team, so how about a strategy of breaking away from the start? Taking the inside corner first is a plus. Sudo-kun, just create a lead, and entrust it to the people behind."
Sudo: "Well, can't be helped. To win, that's the only option."
The starter is Sudou, Maeda in the second position, me in the third, Onodera in the fourth, and Kushida in the fifth. Ayanokoji is placed as the anchor. The elites of each class gather on the field. In addition to that, I can see Shibata, Ichinose, and Masumi among them. In addition, the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu, and the next candidate for president, Miyabi Nagumo, are also present.
However, the biggest dark horse is Ayanokoji. I've never seen his seriousness, but after swimming class, I was ambushed by him. In addition, Horikita and I have seen glimpses of his excellent athletic ability.
The king's costume was bothering me, so I asked Miyake,
Jin: "Hey, can you hold onto this?"
and moved to the right side of the track, along with Sudou and Kushida, with odd-numbered positions. But...
Masumi: "Uh, Horagasaki?"
It's Masumi! It feels really uncomfortable. While I'm talking to Masumi, there's Ichinose, who for some reason doesn't look at me, but looks down without making eye contact. Is it because of me...? I try to talk to Ichinose.
Jin: "Ah, Ichinose. Which race number are you...?"
Ichinose:"...Horagasaki-kun... it's number 5. Then I'll go now."
Ichinose goes straight to the fifth position and seems to avoid me as if running away. Ichinose leaves the fifth position, and then, on the same lane, Kanzaki tells me,
Kanzaki: "Sorry, Horagasaki, could you leave Ichinose alone for a while?"
Jin: "Got it, but..."
Why? I ended up being disliked.
Thinking so, the first runner stands at the starting point. Regarding the course, the 1st-year D Class is on the most inner side, and the 3rd-year A Class is on the outermost side. Once the first runner starts, we, the third runners, enter the course from the waiting area. Therefore, as soon as it starts, we have to immediately get on the course. In the midst of the tension building up, especially for the final event, Sudo finally starts. Simultaneously, Sudo runs with a speed that surpasses everyone, pulling ahead by a whole head at the 100-meter mark. The relay involves each person running 200 meters, so by the time Sudou hands the baton to the second runner, Maezono, he should have a lead of nearly 15 meters.
Alright! Focus on this now.
Thinking so, as I step onto the course...
??: "Whoa! The handsome guy from earlier is out! Look, and the girl from earlier is with him!"
??: "Are they dating!? Could it be a couple showdown?"
??: "No way!"
I couldn't help but refute the voices from the gallery. Masumi is not my girlfriend.
Thinking that, Sudo hands the baton to Maezono. Simultaneously, Maezono starts running. Among the D Class girls, Maezono is one of the fastest, but compared to the senior boys, she appears inferior. Indeed, she is gradually closing the distance.
However, perhaps because it's the last event, she somehow manages to pull away and shorten the distance with me.
When Maezono closes the distance to 5 meters, I start running slowly. After advancing about 5 meters...
Maezano: "Please!"
As the baton is handed to me, I immediately dash with all my strength. It's the final event, and I've decided to give it my all.
??: "Whoa, the handsome guy is insanely fast!"
??: "Good-looking and athletic, he's too perfect!"
??: "Whoa, go!!!"
Hey, why are both the red and white teams cheering!?
Having run about 100 meters and turned the corner, I look back at the following runners. I've opened up quite a distance from the second-place Kanzaki. At this pace, I should be able to hand over the baton to Onodera with a 10-meter lead over Kanzaki.
Thinking so, I run the last straight and pass the baton to Onodera, maintaining the lead. Having fulfilled my role, I step off the course. Then, the third runner of the 2nd-year A Class hands over the baton to the fourth runner. The gap between the first and second places is roughly 10 meters, so an escape strategy might...
While pondering that, Onodera falls.
At the same time, other classes are rapidly closing the gap, and by the time Onodera gets up, she has been overtaken by two runners. Onodera hastily starts running again, but either due to an injury from the fall or a decrease in speed, she's passed by two more before handing the baton to Kushida.
The fifth-place Kushida is reasonably fast, but being a substitute, she is slower than the participating runners and is gradually being caught up. We don't know Ayanokoji's speed, but if Kushida were the anchor, they would probably finish around sixth or seventh.
While considering that, an unexpected sight catches my eye. The third runner of the 3rd-year A Class, who received the baton in fourth place, Student Council President Horikita, for some reason remains in place and doesn't start running.
??: "What is he doing?"
This sight causes confusion throughout the venue. Certainly, aiming for first place might be impossible with a gap of over 20 meters, but there should still be a possibility of securing second or third place.
Thinking so, as they dropped to seventh place, Kushida hands the baton to Ayakoji. Simultaneously, Horikita's brother also starts running, but...
"Fast...!"
The two of them dash towards the goal with overwhelming speed, surpassing even Sudo. The cheering is intense.
??: "Whoa, the handsome guy is insanely fast!"
??: "Good-looking and athletic, he's too perfect!"
??: "Whoa, go!!!"
Hey, why are both the red and white teams cheering!?
Horikita's Brother finishes in second place with a triumphant roar, and Ayanokoji barely misses catching up to the third-place 1st-year C Class, finishing in fourth.
However, the venue is in high spirits due to the overwhelming speed displayed. Truly an appropriate ending for the sports festival, but I'm amazed at Ayanokoji's potential.
This guy is really something...
The 1200-meter relay is over, and the teachers are tallying the scores. Many students who have finished running are looking curiously in the direction of Ayanokoji and me.
Sudo: "Ayanokoji! You're insanely fast, aren't you? Have you been slacking off until now? Also, Horagasaki, you were super fast too!"
As Sudou runs towards us, Ayanokoji and I are vigorously slapped on the back. But for me, it's a bit disheartening. I knew Ayanokoji could do sports, but I never expected him to be this good... Thinking that, I applaud Ayanokoji near his face.
Ayanokoji: "Hey, Horagasaki... is the applause too close?"
I'm told. Well, yeah, it is, since that's what I'm doing.
The results announcement begins, and the numbers on the electronic display start counting. The total points, and the winning team is written as "Red Team," achieving a splendid victory.
But in terms of points for each class, D Class was the lowest.
After the results announcement and the closing ceremony, it's time to head home.
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