Cardfight!! Vanguard: Generations Volume 4 [Ryouta Rival]

- Part 5

Instead of meeting in the hall, we were all instructed to meet outside on the field adjacent to the school. Since the teacher handling the explanation was Kawaga-sensei, the sports teacher, it became obvious to everyone else about what today's challenge was.

"Alright, today's challenge isn't complicated and should only take five minutes to explain. All groups will be doing a 800m relay race against each other, and you'll earn cumulative points based on where you place in each race. This will be decided by how fast you complete the circuit. For groups made of seven, six people will run 100m while one person will run 200m. For groups made of six, five people will run 100m instead, but in exchange we'll allow you to decide how you want to run the missing 100m. There will be three races in total, meaning a potential 24 cumulative points is up for grabs today. What is forbidden should be obvious, but if you are unsure, check the letter."

When Hiryuu-sensei was distributing the envelopes containing the rules, Shimada didn't even bother taking it. He let it drop to the ground, and even had the audacity to stomp on it. Nakajima bent over and picked it up, presenting it to me.

"...thanks."

I opened the letter and read what was inside. Both Kouji and Yamamoto peered over my shoulder to see it for themselves.

Race to the finish line! An exciting sports relay!
Rules!
● There are three relay races in total!
● Each member will run 100m minimum, with one person running 200m to cover a total 800m!
● Groups made of six are allowed to allocate the remaining 100m however they wish!
● A runner can only begin once they have the baton in their hand!
● If a runner runs without their baton or drops it, one minute is added to the group's time!
● The time penalty is stackable!
● Foul play is prohibited!
● Violence between groups is prohibited!
● No bonuses, but the cumulative points will be allocated based on time placement!

It seems this challenge was one geared towards athletic students. In that sense, Yahagi's decision to trade yesterday makes sense, since Kurase was a star athlete in their class. He was probably anticipating for it since he knew this event was coming up.

Koishi probably didn't mind since his group was already filled with physical people. Him, Ukishima, and to some extent Ritaka, were all better at using their hands than their heads.

It was a definitely simpler challenge than what we were used to. While having no bonuses felt weird, it made sense since we were having three races. It was basically like doing three challenges in one day, so the rankings would add up fast.

Groups with quick runners, like Mitsuba's and Yamaguchi's, must be delighted by this challenge. In particular, Ryouta's group looked very excited for this, especially Machida, as it was their big chance to turn things around after yesterday's disaster.

As for my group... I turned to Shimada, awaiting his orders. He was sitting on the floor, ripping grass from the floor with a weird smile on his face.

"...alright, I've decided."

He got up and crushed the grass in his hand, tossing it at us. Yamamoto flinched while Kouji stepped back in surprise. Shimada pointed at himself.

"I'm running 300 metres at the end."

A bold statement. Nakajima raised an eyebrow.

"For all three races?"

"Obviously. None of you could ever match my speed... well, maybe except that guy."