Cote: Elite in Action

Silent Movements

—The special exam of the mixed camp has ended. I must say that everyone did quite well. Now I will begin to announce the results —the person in charge started, and just as he had announced, the special exam had finished. Excitement filled me as I awaited the results.

—For the boys' group, no students have been reported expelled, so you can relax. The winner of this special exam is the group of... Kayden Osawa from the first year! —the person in charge announced. I had anticipated a possible victory, but there was still an air of uncertainty. After all, the second and third-year students were tough opponents, but still, my group had achieved victory.

Many eyes turned to me from all the classes, probably surprised that a first-year student had beaten the upperclassmen. Then, I met Nagumo's gaze, which showed no concern about the result, as if that wasn't what he was really after.

—Now we will continue with the girls' group. Unfortunately, there is a leader who will be expelled, and that is Ikari Momoko. Apparently, a girl from class B of the third year will be the one to leave —the person in charge announced. At that moment, Nagumo began to laugh, attracting everyone's attention.

—What did you do, Nagumo!? —a third-year student named Fujimaki shouted. Looking at Horikita, I noticed her face looked somber; she seemed to have already realized Nagumo's plan.

—The announcements are still ongoing. Senpai, please calm down. This has nothing to do with you, Fujimaki-senpai. Someone from class B was expelled; that's all. In fact, isn't it great that one of your rivals has fallen? —Nagumo replied with a mocking laugh.

His smile only irritated Fujimaki-senpai more, but I knew that in an instant, Nagumo could wipe that expression off his face.

—Um, please be quiet. This is truly unfortunate, but taking responsibility, Ikari-san will have to be expelled. However, since the group can opt for joint responsibility, please consult me later. Next, I will announce the girls' group that took first place...

Despite mentioning it was unfortunate, the announcements continued with seriousness. However, Horikita found herself caught in that situation, as if it had been her destiny from the start. She was defeated by Nagumo Miyabi precisely for being an outstanding and exemplary individual. An unexpected attack had caught her off guard.

Or at least that was what Nagumo hoped.

Then, he started walking toward Ikari and asked her a question:

—Ikari-senpai, please tell us. Everyone is curious to know who you will take with you —he asked, smiling.

Let's not forget that if a group leader is expelled, that leader can take someone with them, and that's where Nagumo's plan lies.

"Of course, the person who will leave with me... is you, Tachibana Akane."

Ikari's voice resonated loudly in the hall, and at that precise moment, the third-year students from class A finally understood the true purpose of her plan: to expel Tachibana Akane, the person closest to Horikita. A murmur of surprise and bewilderment swept through the hall like a cold gust of wind.

"Nagumo, you bastard!" —Fujimaki shouted, with his fists clenched and fury reflected in his gaze, ready to lunge at him.

But Nagumo only laughed, enjoying the chaos he had caused. However, his laughter was interrupted when Horikita confronted him with a cold calmness that contrasted with the tension in the air.

"Nagumo, I believe I told you that our competition would be only between us, without involving third parties. Where is your word?" —Horikita asked, her voice sharp as a razor blade.