Classroom of the Elite (Ayanokoji Kiyone)

Volume 5 : Knowing Your Ally

Ayanokoji Kiyone POV

Starting from our next homeroom period, we'd be practicing independently to prepare for the sports festival. During Class D's free period, we changed into gym clothes and made our way to the athletic grounds.

Ike : "Whoa, check it out." 

Ike, wearing an unpleasant expression, stared at the main school building. Several students were watching us through the windows of their classroom.

Ike : "Hey, they're from Class B, right? Guess they're already spying"

Sudou : "Class A is checking us out, too."

If we wanted to train in such a conspicuous place, it was only natural that we'd be watched. Even if we held back, so the others wouldn't see our true skills, that would only hamper our practice and hurt us in the end.

Horikita : "They started right away."

Horikita had also noticed the curious stares.

For my part, I was more worried about Class C. Not a single one of them was looking at us. It was like they were saying that Class D wasn't any threat to them.

Horikita : "Are you worried about Ryuuen-kun?"

Kiyone : "Yeah"

Horikita : "I'm surprised that he doesn't seem to be carrying out some kind of reconnaissance. However, he did refuse to cooperate with Class B. He doesn't appear interested in any sort of strategy."

Horikita shot me a look that seemed to say, I understand, before continuing. 

Horikita : "....Or so I would have thought if you hadn't warned me. Surely the other students must think they're safe, though."

She glanced at the students, who were throwing themselves into practice.

Horikita : "What you mentioned earlier, about Ryuuen-kun already having a strategy? I suppose this means that his plans are already in place. Reconnaissance isn't necessary for him."

Horikita no longer appeared optimistic. On the contrary, she now looked clearly bewildered. 

Horikita : "Anyone would want information on the other classes. They should want to know who is physically gifted, who'll participate in which contests, and so on. But him..."

That in itself proved that Ryuuen already had a secret strategy.

Kiyone : "The important thing is not to be satisfied just with knowing that Ryuuen has a plan"

Horikita : "This does made you worried right?"

Kiyone : "Normally, when someone has a secret plan in place, they do whatever it takes to ensure that their enemies don't figure it out. However, Ryuuen's not even trying to hide the fact that he's up to something. He's making it obvious by not bothering to do any reconnaissance"

Horikita : "I get it. It's almost like he's showing off. You know, I can't help but wonder where your powers of observation came from. But, since you've forbidden me from asking questions, I suppose I must be quiet."

What a disagreeable and Horikita-esque way of putting it. Of course, no matter how much she poked and prodded, I wouldn't budge.

Sudou : "Suzune. You have a minute?" 

Sudou asked, startling Horikita with his late arrival. Sudou interrupting her train of thought clearly irritated her. Something else seemed to be bothering her, too.

Horikita : "I've told you numerous times. Please do not call me by my first name."

Sudou : "Aw, what do you mean? Does it really bother you that much?"