A Return to School (TensuraxCote)

Ponytails Reign Supreme

The chatter of the boys continued on as we exited from the locker room. The silent desires of teenage boys weren't so clear and rampant as one would expect, but it certainly wasn't flawless. A few characters were not as adept at hiding their teenage hormones.

I wasn't frankly surprised but I did feel pleased to know that at the very least- the majority of the males in my class were able to have some tack, and not become rampaging perverts driven by the desire to see water dripping from a female classmate's skin. It was a very welcome and appreciated reality to be a part of.

It meant at least 90% of my class didn't have to worry about teaching them manners. The other 10% well– can't always be perfect sadly. Guess it'll have to suffice knowing the majority doesn't have the need of getting a foot up the ass.

Exiting the locker room finally all the boys were called to attention by the lifeguard and 1st proctor for the competition.

The girls were still taking time to get ready, I and Sakayanagi- along with Kamuro discussed holding the girls back a bit. This was just so they would not have to deal with some of the boys coming out and immediately ogling them. Sakayanagi and I agreed that it seemed to be of little concern since our class appeared to have more tact and respect than the others, but there was never any harm in being cautious.

Looking over the pool I felt a little excited for the competition, but more than anything I felt curious. I was curious what Kiyo would do. The competition made this quite the pain for him, he had to determine if it was best to go for round 1 of the competition or a random placement among the rankings of his class for his goals.

I silently hoped he would at the very least get 3rd place in his class, or hell- come up to the competition. It'd truly been a while since he and I had the chance to race but I knew. This was nothing but a pipe dream, if I wanted to race him it'd have to have no viewers or likely any stakes and just be a casual entirely NOT suspicious meeting between brothers.

I did however have my predictions for how the classes would go at the very least from the small tidbits of information I've acquired and personal observations.

For Class A it'd be between Kito and Hashimoto for who would come along into round 1 with me in the main competition. I did give Katsuragi a moment of thought regarding his potential but after further thought I figured he'd get at best 5th more than likely 6th place in our class for the boys. I saw the potential for Machida or another of my male classmates to beat him.

It was certain, none of them were going to beat me. I knew this for a fact so it was just my fellow compatriots I was interested in pondering who it'd be.

For the girls I was unsure of aside from Kamuro getting a spot, I did get the feeling that maybe Ryoko would make it with Kamuro but frankly gauging the females in my class based on physical capacity is the largest pain in the ass.

"Rimuru the girls are joining us," I decided to ignore Hashimoto as I continued thinking about who I would be competing with. Bothering to turn my attention to the girls of my class didn't interest me. While I admit many of them are objectively attractive, I had no interest in wasting energy regarding them pointlessly, especially since I know I likely wouldn't like to be stared at in their position.

Class B I was certain the female competitors would be Yuki and Ando Sayo. It was clear Yuki considering our shared past, would make it and wanted the chance to see how much she'd changed while Sayo was in an athletic club from what I gathered.

The men I was certain about were So Shibata and Kanzaki Ryuji, the former being from the soccer club and the latter just giving me odd perceptions.

Class C for certain should have Shirou and a girl called Ibuki, though beyond that I was debating between Ryuen and Albert for the second male spot. It would likely be immediately assumed that due to the size difference Ryuen would be a more agile swimmer but I had no interest in underestimating someone like Albert in any physical activity. As for girls...I really didn't care enough to give them any thoughts regarding the second competitor.

"Hey Rimuru," I merely nodded in the direction of the voice acknowledging their presence as I ignored the rambling of my male classmates attempting to chew my ears off.

Class D I could only hope for an upset, it was as simple as that but I severely doubted the possibility.

Looking up escaping my trance I saw Kamuro staring at me curiously. The look in her eyes made me think I had something on my face but I was aware I in fact did not.

"I was caught up in my thoughts, apologies," I lowered my head slightly in apology since I was unsure if my deep contemplation portrayed weird outward appearances.

Looking at Kamuro for a moment I couldn't help but somewhat marvel in her beauty. The simple blue school swimsuit did leagues in accentuating her curves. The tightness of the swimsuit squeezed onto her thighs making it seem as if they were larger than normal. Beyond this the swimsuit highlighted her supple breasts well, making them appear more perky and firm.

Though what really caught my eye was her hair, it was beautiful. I already knew her hair was nice, the coloration complimented her attitude and eyes nicely but seeing her with it tied up in a high ponytail was an odd pleasure I'm not sure of how to put into words.

Simply it just worked wonders with her natural beauty and allowed more of her somewhat long neck to be visible more clearly. Oddly a nice touch.

"It's fine. Just wanted to ask you something. Can I count on you Rimuru?" I had an inkling of an idea about what she meant but I wasn't ready to make baseless assumptions, regardless my answer would remain the same.

"If it's something I can help with- then gladly." Resolute in my response she seemed satisfied nodding before turning away.

I couldn't help but smirk though as a devilish idea came to mind. Tapping Kamuro on the shoulder she stopped in place.

Turning towards me again, curiosity filled her eyes. Considering my character she expected I wouldn't get her attention for no reason. "Kamuro." She looked at me quizzically for a moment unsure of what I was about to say. Coming close to her I put myself right by her ear; her eyes remained trained on me the whole time as I spoke in a whisper directly into her ear.

"That swimsuit, it looks nice on you but what I really wanted to say was you should put your hair in a ponytail more. It suits you." Her cheeks turned a shade of crimson for a moment before she lightly punched me in the shoulder.

She quickly turned away as the lifeguard began to explain the rules, though I did hear something very quiet coming from Kamuro as she turned, speaking under her breath, [Thanks for the compliment]. It was kind of adorable seeing this somewhat gap-moe moment but I was merely being honest, and well I did somewhat tease her by whispering in her ear.

I couldn't resist the chance though, and I felt she deserved an honest compliment.

Author Notes: (1300 words)

ok sry

shorter chapter, I slammed my finger into the door while in the middle of writing this and it was annoying as shit to write with TTS and my patience was at a low today, so single hand writing was a no go.

I'll get you guys another chapter soon as an apology and the effective rest of this chapter, but for now just deal with this. A short chapter but we at least acknowledge.

Kamuro is hot.

-Asuryii