Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e

Just before 7 PM, three second-year Class A students—Sakayanagi, Kamuro, and Hashimoto—gathered at the café in Keyaki Mall.

“I’m not even surprised when you summon me out of the blue anymore, it’s become so common. What is it today, Princess?”

“It is about what will happen at the upcoming Sports Festival. About what we must do.”

“Haven’t you already decided on a plan?”

“The situation changes from moment to moment. And today, there has been another new development,” stated Sakayanagi, “Ryuuen-kun and Horikita-san’s classes have made contact.”

Hashimoto’s eyes changed upon hearing that.

“Who approached whom? Was it from Ryuuen?”

“That is unclear. But either way, there is no doubt that the two have joined hands.”

“Hang on a sec. I find it hard to believe that it worked out that easily. It’s hard to imagine Horikita simply trusting Ryuuen. He’s not the kinda guy you can collude with!”

“They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, right? We hold a firm lead over the rest. Even if they do not have a relationship of mutual trust, so long as they have the same objective in mind, they can work well together.”

Both could easily surmise how troublesome the two classes joining hands would be. Faced with the not very encouraging news, their expressions stiffened.

“We’re going to be in trouble if this continues, right?” said Sakayanagi.

“Are you saying that by ourselves, we’ll lose?” asked Hashimoto.

“We will lose. If the other three classes were disorganized and fought each other, it would have still been possible for us to take any of the positions, but now we have an unexpected partnership to deal with.”

Sakayanagi clearly said, before looking at Hashimoto.

“I wouldn’t join hands with Ryuuen if it were me, though. You never know when he’ll catch you off guard and betray you.” said Kamuro.

“I’d rather he did betray them, in fact. Ryuuen-kun’s class takes first, and Horikita-san’s class comes second. I would welcome it if the results were that straightforward, but it will be somewhat troublesome if it is the other way around.”

Sakayanagi was more wary of Horikta’s class than Ryuuen’s. Hashimoto’s faint smile disappeared in response to that remark and that implication.

“There’s no doubt that they’re on a roll right now. I thought it would be impossible for any class other than Ryuuen’s to throw away a small fry and grab those 100 points. Has Horikita grown?… Or has Ayanokouji been making some moves in secret?”

Emphasizing Ayanokouji’s name, he turned towards Sakayanagi as if he was trying to check something. There was no way such an attempt to feel her out would work on Sakayanagi, so she continued indifferently. 𝑓𝓇𝑒𝑒𝚠e𝘣𝓷𝘰ѵe𝑙.com

“Your impression of him has been rising considerably of late. Did something happen?”

“…No, not especially. I do think he’s hiding abilities beyond what’s on his OAA, though. Well, it’s not like Ayanokouji’s the only student like that.”

The odds would be against him if they started trying to probe each other, so Hashimoto backed down immediately. He decided that it was not a good idea to provoke her carelessly and draw her attention.

“But what are you gonna do? You say we’ll lose without you, but you’ll be absent, won’t you? So you’re saying you’re gonna throw the competition?” asked Kamuro.

Hashimoto, who had been smiling, also seemed concerned about that, as his expression hardened once again. Just 150 points. Even if Class A sank to last place, it wouldn’t do a great deal of damage. However, after continually fighting hard to build their position until now, a defeat was not welcome.

“There is only one answer.” Sakayanagi smiled and continued. “I will also participate in the Sports Festival. Even if they really do join hands, they have calculated that with my nonparticipation and their cooperation, they can finally win. Let’s show them that that is an illusion.”

“For real? Will you be alright?”

“It’s good that you’re so willing, but—are you sure?”

Sakayangi declaring that she would participate shook them both.

“Is this about me being made into a spectacle? As for that, there are numerous ways to get around such a problem.”

“Well, considering it’s you, I’m sure you’ll do fine. If you say you’ll show, then that’s all we need.”

“However, this nevertheless does not improve our overall athletic ability. The most I can do is to pick up competitions that we might end up losing. In other words, it will be a tough battle to usurp first place even if I participate.”

“I think it’s enough if we just don’t come last,” said Hashimoto.

“It won’t be so difficult to crack the fragile relationship between Horikita-san and Ryuuen-kun. Let’s get in their way when they are desperately trying to cooperate on the day.”

Hashimoto and Kamuro put their trust in Sakayanagi, who exuded absolute self-confidence. She had continued to deliver top results on countless occasions so far.

“I guess I can feel relieved, huh. But you sure picked up that information quickly, Princess. It’s not like you went out and got it yourself when your legs are like that, right?”

She would often use Hashimoto and Kamuro for everyday information gathering. But since the two of them were only hearing this for the first time right now, Hashimoto asked curiously.

“I still have the responsibility of representing Class A after all. The number of first-years I am acquainted with has increased as well.”

Without getting flustered, Sakayanagi smiled softly, as if she enjoyed being in a pinch.