Ayanokouji What If: Popularity Time

V5 Chapter 5: The Traitor

Kiyotaka Pov

After the customary activities, a break period followed soon after. During it, Horikita went to the Medical Tent for an ice pack while I and everyone else discussed the events to come.

Over the conversation, I noticed Hashimoto and Katsuragi walking out of Class C's tent together.

"Sorry, I have to go to the bathroom," I said suddenly, standing up and leaving the Ayanokouji Group, coined, by Ken and Haruka, behind.

Sneaking around the tent area, I eventually came to hear Katsuragi and Hashimoto, who were in the midst of a heated discussion behind the observation tent.

"Hashimoto, I do not approve of your and Ryuen's methods!"

Hashimoto laughed, "it's helping us, isn't it? Besides, being honest won't work here."

"Even so, this strategy is bound to backfire eventually. It would be better if we played with the intention of winning the games, not acting with blatant malice!"

"You said you'd be ok with some underhanded gameplay, so why are you stomping your feet now?"

"There's a difference between what we've been doing and what happened in the previous event," said Katsuragi, "that was unnecessary."

Hashimoto let out a laugh, "it was cruel, but it's what needed to be done. Think of it like this-it's a temporary thing, she'll get over it! Besides, the long-term is more important than a tiny scrape."

"I agree, however, if you two continue to do this-"

"You'll what? Report us? I have a recording of you agreeing to the deal, so does Ryuen. Rat on us, and I'll send in a special video I made."

"A special video?"

The sound of Katsuragi's voice in a digital voice started up, "agreed. We'll target them in such ways in the events that we'll injure them. With that, we'll be able to win easily, so long as we target the stronger players."

"That's not what I...you! You edited the conversation!"

"No I didn't, where's the proof? Unless you had a video to counter it. But wait! You relied on me to record the conversation, didn't you?"

"If you think Ryuen won't betray you as well, you are sorely-"

"Why would he? If he betrays me, I'll do the same. And then the three of us can ride the bus together, and graduate as Class E! Expelled!"

"You...I'll cooperate with you for now."

"Not so hard, is it?"

I could hear Katsuragi turn around, and that was my cue to get out of there.

Although I recorded the conversation, they weren't specific enough about the plans. The good thing is, that in the case they attempt to expel Katsuragi using that video, I can use this conversation as evidence that it was edited.

Slipping back towards my tent, I spent the rest of the break with my class.

After the break, the girls formed their cavalry groups for the cavalry battle. Karuizawa, Shinohara, and two other girls formed a group, and Horikita, Kikyo, and two other girls formed a group.

I observed the game, noticing a few concerning events happening.

Class B attacked my class primarily, completely ignoring Class A. They specifically targeted Horikita, overwhelming her and then ripping the headband free from her head.

They then switched to Karuizawa, who managed to protect her headband, almost grabbing one from the opposing team, only for hers to be ripped off.

"Urh, those Class B bastards!" whined Ken beside me.