The Superior Elite (Ongoing)

Chapter 11: Sports training, start!

Horikita stood at the front of the classroom, her usual composed expression in place. "We need to decide on the order of participation for the Universal Participation events and who will be chosen for the Recommended Only events. There are two systems we can use for selection. The first is based on what everyone wants. The second is based on ability."

Ken Sudō immediately voiced his opinion, leaning forward in his seat with a determined look. "We should go with the ability system. If we want to win, we need our best athletes in the most important events. There's no point in putting someone weak in a position where they can't compete."

Several students, particularly those who knew they were less athletic, nodded in agreement. They understood that their strengths lay elsewhere, and it made sense to let the stronger athletes take the lead in the competition.

Suzune took a moment to assess the room before speaking. "I agree with Sudō. However, I propose a supplementary plan. While the stronger athletes should indeed participate in the Recommended Only events, we should pair them with the weaker students in the Universal Participation events. This way, the stronger athletes can carry the weaker ones to victory, increasing our overall chances."

This proposal sparked immediate debate. Kei Karuizawa was the first to object, her arms crossed as she voiced her concerns. "That's not fair. You're basically saying the weaker students should be sacrificed so the stronger ones can win. What about the rest of us?"

" What are you talking about?"

" Sorry, I'm not so smart and perfect ,like you - horikita -"

" What-"

Karuizawa turned to Kikyō Kushida, looking for support. "Kushida, what do you think?"

Kushida, ever the diplomat, offered a more balanced perspective. "I understand both sides, but I think we should aim for a plan that benefits everyone, not just the strongest students. Maybe we can find a middle ground."

The class was divided, with some students favoring Sudō's straightforward approach while others leaned toward Kushida's more inclusive stance. To resolve the issue, Suzune called for a vote. After a tense few minutes, the results were clear:

Suzune's plan had won the majority, though it was not without dissent

Sudō, satisfied with the outcome, reiterated his determination. "I'm going to participate in as many events as possible. We need to win this."

Suzune nodded in agreement. "I'll do the same. We need to fill these slots with the strongest candidates we have."

After the meeting, the students began to filter out of the classroom, their conversations turning to more casual topics as the intensity of the discussion faded. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, as usual, stayed in the background, observing everything with his typical calm demeanor.

As the last of his classmates left, Kiyotaka pulled out his phone and sent a quick email to someone. He then left the classroom and walked down the hallway, where he found Kei Karuizawa waiting for him.

Karuizawa approached him with a curious expression. "So, I did what you asked. I objected to Suzune's plan and made sure to ask for Kushida's opinion. But what exactly are you planning, Ayanokōji?"

Kiyotaka glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I didn't have any particular interest in reaching Class A when I first came here. But something has changed. Now, my goal is to reach Class A, and I'll do whatever it takes to achieve that."

Karuizawa frowned, trying to read between the lines. "You're different than you were before. Almost like you're acting out of character, but not really. What's going on?"

Kiyotaka didn't answer immediately. He seemed to be weighing his words carefully before speaking. "Let's just say I've found a reason to care. And because of that, I'm being more proactive than before. But be prepared-there's going to be a traitor in Class D during the Sports Festival. And when the time is right, that traitor will be revealed."

Karuizawa's eyes widened slightly at the implication. "A traitor? Who?"

Kiyotaka shook his head. "You'll see when the time comes. Just be ready."

Their conversation ended there, leaving Karuizawa with more questions than answers. As Kiyotaka walked away, she couldn't help but wonder what he was really planning-and who the traitor could be.

The next day during physical education, Class D gathered on the field to measure their grip strength-a simple but effective way to gauge the physical abilities of each student. It was also a chance for everyone to see where they stood in comparison to their peers.

Kiyotaka approached the grip strength measuring instrument with his usual calm. He knew that his strength was far above average, but he decided to adjust it to match the highest score of a typical first-year high school student. He applied just enough pressure to make the result impressive, but not suspiciously so.

When the results came in, Kiyotaka's score naturally drew attention. He had managed to place himself as the strongest in the class, right above Ken Sudō, who was known for his athletic prowess. The class buzzed with murmurs of surprise, with several students casting curious glances his way.

" That's amazing! Ayanokoji!"

" Who knew..."

" We never know you're this strong!"

" Maybe, we should give him more roles to do in the sports festival?"

However, Rokusuke Kōenji was predictably uninterested. The eccentric student made a show of yawning and brushing off the entire exercise as beneath him, which left Sudō with the second-highest score by default.

As the students finished up, they began selecting participants for all the events in the Sports Festival. Given the stakes, it was decided that no one should photograph the list, to avoid any potential leaks or sabotage

With the preparations for the Sports Festival in full swing, Kiyotaka knew that the key to Class D's success would lie not just in strategy, but in training. And one student in particular needed some extra attention:

Suzune Horikita

After school, Kiyotaka found Suzune alone on the practice field, going through her usual routine. She was focused, determined-but there was still room for improvement.

"Horikita," Kiyotaka called out as he approached her, causing her to pause mid-exercise. "You're pushing yourself, but you're not going to get stronger by doing the same things over and over."

" I'm good at my own"

" That's not gonna get you,anywhere"

Suzune straightened, wiping sweat from her brow. "What do you suggest?"

Without waiting for a response, Kiyotaka took a step closer and adjusted her stance, guiding her movements with an unexpected roughness. "Your form needs work. If you're going to compete in the Sports Festival, you need to be in peak condition."

Suzune bristled slightly at his touch but didn't pull away. "I can handle it."

"I know you can," Kiyotaka replied, his voice steady. "But you need to trust me on this. We're going to push you harder than before."

The next hour was grueling. Kiyotaka was relentless in his training, pushing Suzune to her limits and beyond. She struggled at times, but never complained, her competitive nature driving her forward. Kiyotaka's approach was rough, but effective, and by the end of the session, Suzune was exhausted but visibly stronger.

As they finished up, Suzune looked at Kiyotaka, her expression a mix of determination and something else-respect, perhaps, or even gratitude. "Thank you, Ayanokōji. I'll be ready for the Sports Festival."

Kiyotaka gave a small nod, his eyes calm and focused. "Good. We're going to need every advantage we can get."

" That's true, we don't know what's coming up ahead"

As they walked off the field, Kiyotaka couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The preparations for the Sports Festival were coming together, and with each passing day, Class D was growing stronger.