The Other Ayanokoji

Chapter 15

I knew that Kushida was lying to me.  "The revelation of VIPs chosen based on their names' positions in the Hiragana scripture sparks discussion among Class-D students. They analyze the corresponding planet group of each VIP and speculate about the reasoning behind the selection." I tell Karuizawa. "So there was a way to find out the VIP so easily!" Karuizawa looks shocked. "It seems like they're trying to set us against each other with this method." "That's precisely what I've been thinking. Class C doesn't seem fully united, and this could be an attempt to exploit that." My brother adds.

Class D sits in their chairs while Chabashira-sensei walks in.  "I am here to announce the much-anticipated Sports Festival. This year's festival will be an extraordinary event, pitting Team Red against Team White in a series of challenging competitions. Team Red will consist of Classes A and D, while Team White will be formed of Classes B and C. This festival will not only be a test of physical prowess but also of teamwork and strategy. For each event, the top three placements will have the choice between receiving 1,000 private points or earning valuable bonuses for their upcoming written exams. This will undoubtedly be a great incentive to push yourself to your limits." The students exchange glances, realizing the significant rewards that await them.

"However,  the bottom ten placements will face demerits. They will lose out on those valuable bonuses, and this is a reminder that we must strive to improve and work together as a team." The mood in the hall becomes more solemn, as the students talk to each other about the significant risk. 

"The Sports Festival is not just about individual achievement; it is about representing your classes and forming unbreakable bonds with your classmates. It's about showing the strength of your class unity and supporting one another." Everyone nods in agreement. The Festival will take place in three weeks. Homeroom is finished." Chabashira-sensei walks out and the classroom is filled with murmurs of excitement.

"We can't afford to underestimate Team White. They are formidable opponents." Horikita looks toward me and my brother. "We need to win, even if it means using "unfair" methods. It's the only way to secure our class's future." Both of us shake our heads at Horikita's idea. "I still believe that we can win through "normal" methods. Let's not compromise our integrity." Horikita looks away from us. "Suit yourself."

Horikita stands up, getting everyone's attention. "I propose that we pair stronger and weaker students together for the events. This way, we can maximize our chances of winning." Karuizawa stands up. "That's not fair! The weaker students will lose out on merits, and it'll create divisions within our class." "We need to prioritize winning! This is not a time to coddle each other." Horikita says defensively. Karuizawa shakes her head, disapproving of Horikita's approach."Personal choice for events is better.  You always look down on everyone, and that's not how you'll unite the class." Karuizawa says vehemently. "I look down on incompetence! We need to be pragmatic if we want to succeed." Horikita clutches her fists tightly. "Karuizawa turns to Kushida. "Kushida-san, what do you think?" Kushida looks taken aback. "I think both ideas have merits. Let's combine them - for some events, we'll pair students, and for others, they can choose their partners."

The class agrees with Kushida's suggestion, finding a middle ground between Horikita's and Karuizawa's viewpoints. "Thank you, Kushida. This way, everyone has a fair chance to participate and contribute." "Fine, we'll try it your way. But remember, we need to win!" Horikita says reluctantly.

As they begin to divide tasks and assign participants, a few students, including Karuizawa, still express concerns about Horikita's approach. Tensions rise as Horikita's stern leadership style begins to grate on some of the classmates. "I can't believe some of you are holding us back with your incompetence," Horikita says coldly. "Enough, Horikita! You can't lead this class if you keep insulting and belittling everyone!" Karuizawa glares at Horikita.
"Alright, everyone, let's take a step back." Hirata steps in, trying to mediate the situation."Let's vote on whose idea we should go with. That way, we can have a fair decision."

The class agrees, and Hirata conducts a vote on whether to follow Horikita's approach or the combined idea proposed by Kei and Kikyo. "The majority has chosen to go with Horikita's idea," Hirata announces. Karuizawa looks disappointed but accepts the decision.

Later, Karuizawa follows us to have a private conversation. "Why did you order me to refute Horiktira's idea and ask for Kikyo's opinion? I actually agreed to Horikita's idea."  "I needed to gauge everyone's reactions and loyalty. I suspect there might be a traitor among us." my brother says. "I know who it is. But my brother." I hit his head. "Wants proof." "Exactly. I'll be watching closely. We have to go now. Staying too long with each other would be suspicious." My brother says while rubbing the area where I hit him. We both walk away from a dumbfounded Karuizawa.

~Time skip~

Hirata stands up. "We should measure our physical capabilities so we will know who is going to participate in which event." Everyone nods in agreement and we all go to the gym. The first is grip strength. My brother turns to me. "What is the average grip strength." I tilt my head a little. "I'm not sure." We are screwed. My brother pulls 60 kg which was a little bit high. "Wow, Ayanokoji-kun. I didn't know you had that much grip strength!" Hirata remarks. I pull about 50 kg causing some people to freak out. Oh well. I look down at the tester and frown. I cracked the part that you grip. I sigh. I snap my fingers and the cracks disappear.

We continue to go through all standard measuring methods. "Horikita's determination is commendable, but her single-mindedness might blind her to other possibilities," I observe. My brother nods. Horikita is arguing with a student who is struggling with the 3 legged race. I notice that she tends to overlook her allies and believes that weaker students should match the stronger ones' rhythm. 

I grab Horikita. "What are you doing!" She asks me. "May I have the string?" I ask. I tie it around my ankle and hers. "Try it with me," I say. She looks taken aback but nods. I go slow first but go fast enough that she stumbles. "See, you need to match each other's rhythm, not just follow one person's." Horikita is out of breath. I untie the string and walk away.

I suggest to Horikita and Kushida that they should gather intelligence by surveilling Team White, suspecting that Kushida might have inadvertently leaked information about the VIPs.Kiyotaka, Suzune, and Kikyo keep a close watch on Team White, looking for any signs of information leaks or vulnerabilities that they can exploit.
"We must be vigilant and strategic. Winning the Sports Festival is crucial, not just for the rewards, but to prove our class's strength." Horikita declares. We all continue to observe Team White, looking for any suspicious behavior that could confirm the suspicions that my brother had.