Classroom of the Elite: Prepared

Chapter 32 - Unsought reunion

"I must admit that you are much stronger than the average student, senpai." After defeating Horikita and Ibuki simultaneously, Ichika went one-on-one with the last remaining opponent, Kiryuin, whom she defeated with some difficulty.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't born a year later," Kiryuin remarked wryly with a smile, and then brushed aside her defeat as if it were nothing.

"Now that I've won, I will take my leave." Ichika coldly ignored Kiryuin's remark, spun around, and headed briskly towards the stands.

The stands offered supplies such as water and food at a low price and were exclusively for the sports festival. In addition, the guests could also get a coffee or a meal for free.

Since the half-hour break had just begun, many people gathered at these stalls and bought something to refresh themselves.

Location: Stands

"Sakayanagi, we have done what you instructed us to do, but so far we have only won a few of the competitions we have participated in."

The somewhat agitated Hashimoto reported this to Sakayanagi, who did not participate directly in the sports festival but only gave instructions to her classmates.

"Fufu, this is to be expected when you compete against two classes at the same time." Instead of being shocked, Sakayanagi just chuckled softly.

"Huh? What do you mean, princess?" With dilated eyes and an expression that indicated he had no idea what was going on, he stared at her, dumbfounded.

"You have no idea what's going on, do you?"

After she asked this question, Hashimoto began to think about what might be going on, and after a few moments of reflection, he resumed talking to Sakayanagi.

"Are you saying that ..." Hashimoto's tone slowly softened, as if he realized what was going on.

"That's exactly what's going on, Ryueen and Ichinose's class have joined forces against us." Before Hashimoto could finish his sentence, Sakayanagi took the words out of his mouth.

"W-What should we do?" The nervousness that could be sensed from Hashimoto grew as his suspicions were proven correct.

"Now, now, no need to panic, Hashimoto." With this comment and the tapping of her cane on the floor, Sakayanagi endeavored to reassure Hashimoto.

"Right now, there is nothing we can do, so you may enjoy your break now."

"Princess, are we going to win this sports festival?" Hashimoto did not mince words and posed that question outright with a stern expression on his face.

"Fufu, are you already doubting me, Hashimoto?"

"O-Of course not, Princess."

The two exchanged one last sharp stare, after which they split ways. Whereas Sakayanagi gradually strode toward her mother, Hashimoto vanished in the direction of the stalls.

"Arisu! At last, I get to see you!" Upon seeing her daughter, her tone perked up and she embraced her tightly, for it has been a while.

"Mother, I'm glad to see you." Her spirit, like her mother's, lifted as she caught sight of her mother.

Although neither of them could see the other's face, they were both beaming with smiles.

"How have you been, Arisu?"

"I've been fine, but where is father?"

After finishing the hug, Arisu twisted her head to try and spot her father, but he was nowhere to be seen.