Chapter 166: The Sole Confrontation Between Horikita Manabu and Nagumo Miyabi
In the time that followed, Hikigaya was no longer preoccupied by the immediate matters in front of him. Although Nagumo Miyabi wasn't coming directly after him this time, this was still the first cross-grade exam they had experienced.
There must be a reason for Nagumo Miyabi to deliberately separate the boys and girls.
There would be no pre-exam communication, and the class locations and times would be different. Even their phones would be confiscated. The only time they would have contact was during the one hour in the cafeteria for lunch every day.
At Karuizawa's suggestion, the six of them agreed that they must exchange information during lunch. Of course, Hikigaya was forced to agree, but for the sake of the class, the boys' side could only be left to him.
This was the only, and most critical, time point for exchanging information.
In the following time, Hikigaya looked at the five girls in front of him and simply outlined some methods of self-preservation, hoping that the five of them could group together. This way, there wouldn't be too much danger, and they could at least help each other compared to fighting alone.
In this manner, Hikigaya covered the points that needed attention and the minimum level of vigilance. As for the information exchange, Karuizawa, Ichinose, and Kushida were veterans, so there was no need to mention it again.
Finally, just before the bus fully arrived, Hikigaya sent a text message to Kushida. The general content was: If possible, it's best for the five of you to stick together. Also, please look out for Kamuro. I'm counting on you.
Hikigaya was a person who saw things through. Since the other party had entrusted herself to him, he had to take responsibility. This kind of accident was something he absolutely could not allow.
Kushida didn't say much, only replying with a few nods. There was no jealousy or anything at a time like this. Facing an exam like this, self-preservation was the most important thing.
...
In the gymnasium, all the male students gathered here after arriving at the forest school. First-year Class A was the first to take action. It must be said that it was indeed Katsuragi. He made a decision so quickly.
They had already formed a 14-person small group and were publicly announcing their search for any one student from another class.
The first-year students present were clearly a little shocked, even incredulous. Regardless of whether anyone from other classes would be willing to go deep into the enemy lines alone, normally they would consider adding students from different classes to increase the rewards. But Horikita Manabu directly denied this. It seemed he had absolute confidence in taking first place.
Yōsuke muttered in a low voice with some jealousy: "What's wrong with these guys? They think they're the center of the world just because they have a little bit of ability. What if none of us join them, even if they get first place?"
Sudō, who was standing near him, naturally heard this. Having been through so much, Sudō chuckled self-deprecatingly upon hearing these words, then gently patted Yōsuke's shoulder.
"No choice. They just have the ability. You can't do anything about it."
This statement left Yōsuke at a loss for where to even begin.
Katsuragi naturally noticed the dissatisfaction of his peers. At this moment, he said calmly with a confident smile: "Why don't the rest of your classes just follow this pattern? Besides, six male students from our first-year Class A will comply with instructions and be arbitrarily distributed to any position in any group."
Since they were students from Class A, their overall standard would certainly not be low. If this was a trade, it seemed like a good condition. Clearly, Kanzaki of Class B now had a slight interest.
'Just like on the uninhabited island back then. As expected of Katsuragi, to be able to make a decision so quickly, he must have gotten Sakayanagi's approval.'
After all, Katsuragi no longer had the influence he once had in the class. Without Sakayanagi's support, he clearly wouldn't be able to achieve this.
However...
This method could still only be done by Class A. After all, the special exam was one that could instantly narrow the gap in class points. Other classes would try to get more rewards even at the risk of expulsion, but only Class A never worried about that.
Hirata clearly thought for a while. The matured him was no longer the man who obsessively pursued pathological 'cooperation.' And at this moment, Katsuragi once again presented a condition that was enough to move everyone.
"If you are willing to join our 14-person group, you will not bear any risks. I am the leader. Even if we accidentally rank last, only I will be expelled. Class A will absolutely not drag others down with us. Of course... the premise is that the student did not deliberately pull down the group's average score."
As soon as this was said, not only Kanzaki, but also the leaders of the three classes B, C, and D, simultaneously felt a desire to cooperate.
This was a very tempting condition. If they could put a subpar student from their class, such as Ike, into this group, even if they didn't get many points, it would be equivalent to gaining a life-saving pass. Of course, since the other party mentioned the worst-case scenario of last place, even Ike himself clearly understood.
The overall strength of the 14 people led by Katsuragi in this exam must not be bad.
Therefore, to avoid dragging down their average score, they couldn't rely on completely useless students like Ike or Yōsuke. Instead, it would be better for students like Akito to join, as they might be completely carried to victory.
Kanzaki took a step forward. Since the other party had given conditions, he also wanted to continue talking with them. Since this exam was cross-grade, he naturally didn't want the first-year students to be too rigid. It would be better to sit down, talk simply, and finally formulate a more perfect plan.
Of course, this action was ultimately rejected by Class A. They gave a five-minute deadline. If no one from the other classes was willing to join within five minutes, they would completely lose this special treatment. If Class A's other group ended up last in this exam, they would not hesitate to drag them down together.
'A very good strategy, but unfortunately...'
Ryūen: "What are you talking about, Katsuragi? I don't think your Class A has that much value after being defeated by Class C."
Katsuragi: "Oh? Ryūen, are you saying that you, the head of Class D, have the value of Class A?"
Ryūen spread his hands, looking nonchalant: "I didn't mean that, but don't forget, the current Class A is not the former Class A. The gap between your class and the three classes BCD is not that big."
"So... Katsuragi, don't overestimate yourself too much."
Ryūen's words instantly brought the people present back to their senses.
Firstly, if they joined such a group, the benefits for classes BCD would be maximized in their reduction. Even if they managed to save one low-ability student, the class gap would only instantly widen, and a year of hard work would be for naught.
Rather than that, it would be better to form an alliance between the three classes BCD directly. This way, not only would the gains be great, but the total benefits would definitely be much stronger than Class A's 14-person group.
Hirata clearly didn't continue to dither either and immediately agreed to the alliance with B and D. Kanzaki also continued his cooperation with Class C, using 'Ichinose' as the reason. As for Ryūen, that guy naturally came along.
Hirata: "Then, our three classes will form groups for the maximum multiplier. No objections?"
Kanzaki: "I have no problem."
Ryūen spread his hands and said casually: "You're much better now than when you were dallying before. I'm really starting to admire that guy more and more."
Hirata smiled slightly, then directed his gaze toward Hikigaya. Although it was just a glance, Hikigaya still noticed it.
Under the analysis of Hirata, Kanzaki, and Hiyori, the level of each small group was kept quite balanced. This was partly because the overall standard of the three classes had become similar after more than half a year of study, and partly because Hikigaya was giving advice on the side, so it wasn't difficult.
In the end, Class A's grouping could obviously only form one class-specific group, and the remaining 6 people were randomly inserted into the three classes BCD.
For Hikigaya, who was the last to be assigned to a group, the people he could choose from were few.
Class D: Ryūen Kakeru, Yamada Albert
Class C: Hikigaya Hachiman, Kōenji Rokusuke, Hirata Yosuke
Class B: Moriyama, Sumida Makoto, Tokitō Katsumi
Class A: Kitō Hayato, Totsuka Yahiko
Exactly ten people.
This grouping looked extremely abstract. Aside from Hikigaya, Kōenji's lazy nature made him seem unwanted. Then there was Hirata, the good-natured guy. Finally, throwing himself in, there were Ryūen and Albert, the two fighting maniacs, three unremarkable guys from Class B, and from Class A, Kitō was one thing, but why was Yahiko there?
Had Katsuragi already forgotten about his own underling?
Seeing Yahiko, Hikigaya remembered the punch he once took from that guy, which was indeed a bit awkward.
Regardless, this group's physical ability was likely unmatched. If there was any fighting exam, they could probably rank high, but... this exam included activities like Zen meditation. Could they really calm down?
Hikigaya felt it was highly unlikely.
...
The group of rivals was now concentrated together. Although Hikigaya had consciously avoided making eye contact with Yahiko of Class A, Kitō was surprisingly direct, resting his thick, massive arm right on Hikigaya's shoulder.
Kitō: "What are you hiding for, little man?"
Hikigaya: "No... seeing my former coach makes me a little scared, you know."
Kitō pointed to himself with some confusion and asked the others: "Am I that scary?"
Ryūen: "If you trim that disgustingly long hair of yours, maybe it would be better."
Hikigaya: "Seriously, Ryūen, you're in no position to criticize others..."
Albert: "BOSS, should we engage?"
Hikigaya's body jolted. As expected of a group ready to fight, they were already talking about starting one.
Ryūen smiled faintly: "Hikigaya, since we're cooperating, don't disappoint me."
...
After a simple confirmation that there were no issues, the matter on the first-year side was resolved, and Nagumo Miyabi walked over at that moment.
"It seems the first year has finished forming their small groups. How about we proceed to decide which large groups the second and third years will select?"
Saying this, Nagumo Miyabi stood with one hand on his hip, his blonde hair prominent as he faced Horikita Manabu.
"Horikita-senpai, I have a suggestion. What do you think?"
The second and third-year students gradually approached the first-year side. After exchanging glances, there wasn't much more talk.
This time, the relationships were not just simple 'senpai/kōhai' relationships, but genuine enemies and friends.
Horikita Manabu: "Speak freely."
Nagumo Miyabi: "To make this exam more interesting, how about we let the first year decide the grouping entirely? The six small group leaders can use rock-paper-scissors to decide, and then choose which senior-year group to join."
Nagumo Miyabi's words clearly surprised the first-year students. Besides Horikita Manabu and Nagumo Miyabi, the two student council presidents, the first-year information network was clearly insufficient regarding the upper years. It would be fairer to give the power of choice to the lower-year students rather than letting the senior students choose.
The strange thing was this: even though the first-year students held the power of choice, no one chose the current Student Council President, Nagumo Miyabi. Whether it was Katsuragi of Class A, Kanzaki of Class B, Yukimura of Class C, or Kaneda of Class D, everyone perfectly avoided Nagumo.
Of course, the reason was not hostility. Although his individual ability was unquestionable, the competition now was a team effort. If one looked closely, the people teamed up with Nagumo Miyabi were second-year Class C and D students, and their overall standard was likely not very high.
Because the temporary leader of Class C, Hirata, was the one designated to participate in the rock-paper-scissors game even after their small group was formed.
Of course, as to why no one was currently fighting for the leadership, those who know, know.
There were a total of six small groups, and Hirata finally won in the fifth round. However, even though he won in the fifth round, no one in his small group, not Ryūen, Kitō, Yahiko, or the Class B students, seemed to have any objection to him.
Hirata: "So, which large group should we choose? There are only two options left."
Kitō said nothing, only silently shifting his gaze to Hikigaya.
Ryūen also remained silent, watching the distance with his hands in his pockets.
Kōenji was even more relaxed, not having entered the examination state at all.
The three-person group from Class B simply responded with "It's fine either way."
Clearly, no one wanted to take on this troublesome decision, or perhaps... Everyone was waiting for one person to provide the answer.
Hikigaya: "In that case, let's go with Nagumo's large group."
Hirata: "Alright. Does anyone have any objections?"
After five seconds of silence, no one responded.
Hirata turned around and finalized Hikigaya's choice.
After the simple grouping, Nagumo Miyabi was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, he followed behind Horikita Manabu, saying calmly: "I say, Horikita-senpai, we've spent almost two years in the same school, but we've never properly competed. This time, we happen to be in different large groups. You're about to graduate, and I really want to test how far apart we are."
The tone carried a rare sense of respect.
Moreover, everyone in the gymnasium clearly heard this declaration of war.
However, even so, Horikita Manabu still seemed unconcerned. As usual, he had rejected the challenge of the young man in front of him countless times. It wasn't because he was afraid of losing, but because he felt it was entirely unnecessary.
What was the point of a confrontation between the second year and the third year? Even if he won or lost, the points and rules for the two years were calculated separately. What was the meaning of a private cross-grade match, in the end, other than wasting time?
Horikita Manabu glanced at Hikigaya behind him but did not speak.
And Nagumo Miyabi spoke again: "Don't rush to refuse, Horikita-senpai. The relay race at the sports festival last time didn't have a clear winner, which has always been my regret. You're also about to graduate, Horikita-senpai. Just consider it fulfilling my last wish. This cross-grade cooperation is also a rare stage. We can compare whose average score is higher, simply and clearly. What do you say?"
Horikita Manabu looked at Nagumo Miyabi, then at Hikigaya again, and finally, surprisingly, nodded.
Hikigaya naturally sensed Horikita Manabu's intention.
'This guy intends to use his confrontation with Nagumo to gather information for my future confrontation with him. If that's the case... I'll just be a good spectator this time.'
Behind him, Ryūen, Kitō, Kōenji, Hirata, and the others completely witnessed the match between the two.
Horikita Manabu: "Fine, but I have a few requirements."
Nagumo Miyabi: "Please go ahead, Senpai."
Horikita Manabu: "Firstly, this match cannot involve anyone else. That is, there can be no attacking other small groups or internal relationship manipulation. The targets are not just each other's small groups; other innocent students cannot be implicated either. Otherwise, regardless of the outcome, the result of this match will be invalidated."
"Everyone standing here in the gymnasium right now is a witness."
Nagumo naturally smiled and nodded, agreeing to all the conditions Horikita Manabu had laid out, then politely stated: "As expected of Horikita-senpai. Since we're doing this fair and square, I hereby, in my capacity as Student Council President, establish the wager and guarantee that no other students will be dragged into the battle between us."
"As for the penalty for winning or losing, points are meaningless to us now. Rather than that, let's compete solely based on our respective dignity."
....
[In the chat room, Horikita Suzune was completely stunned.]
[Horikita: "I haven't even seen Brother's true ability yet... Even so, I still think Brother won't lose to anyone."]
[Karuizawa: "A confrontation between two Student Council Presidents... That's so exciting."]
[Kushida: "You all heard it, right? The reason Horikita-senpai agreed to the match this time is because he wants to gather some information for Hikigaya-kun's future confrontation with Nagumo Miyabi."]
[Ichinose also reacted quickly: "That's right. Horikita-senpai is about to graduate, so there won't be many chances for a match in the future. But for Hikigaya-kun, he still has two years, and even one year to face Nagumo. In the year after Nagumo takes over, there will definitely be no shortage of cross-grade matches."]
[Sakura: "It won't be that simple. Nagumo's goal is definitely not that straightforward."]
[Hirata: "Sakura-san, did you discover something?"]
[Sakura: "Just a gut feeling... I just feel that Nagumo-kun won't let this rare opportunity pass by so easily."]
[Horikita Manabu: "No matter what scheme Nagumo has, it will ultimately be ineffective."]
[Nagumo: "Horikita-senpai, since this is a video of the future, the current me knows nothing."]
[Hikigaya: "The future..."]
[Ryūen: "Looks like we'll have to be good spectators this time."]
[Kitō: "A confrontation between the second- and third-year Student Council Presidents. Even if we interfere, it won't have any effect, right?"]
[....]
The cross-grade wager between Nagumo and Horikita Manabu was established. Just as the small groups were preparing to disperse for free activities, Nagumo's team suddenly approached Hikigaya's group and initiated a conversation.
Of course, they weren't here to pick a fight. After all, they were in the same large group. The reason for their visit was simple.
Because they were a hastily assembled group at the last minute, they didn't have a genuine leader yet. Hirata was only dragged up to do rock-paper-scissors because no one in the group bothered to go up and do it.
And now...
After Nagumo saw through their situation, in order not to delay the progress of the exam, and under the pretense of 'confronting Horikita-senpai,' Nagumo Miyabi forced them to immediately select a formal leader.
However, the group, which should have been very troublesome, considering the simultaneous presence of Yahiko, Ryūen, Kitō, and Kōenji, quickly reached a consensus.
Ryūen was uncharacteristically uninterested in the leader position. Kitō stated that he was used to following orders, and Yahiko said the same. The Class B students didn't dare to voice any opinion. Kōenji was even more out of the question; that guy was a complete individualist, who only occasionally listened to Hikigaya...
In that case, there was no need to even choose the leader.
This group had too many unstable factors, and Nagumo Miyabi's group wasn't strong either. The possibility of ending up last was extremely high.
Hirata wanted to take on the responsibility, but Hikigaya spoke first.
Having received a definite answer, Nagumo just smiled faintly.
"It's you again. But it doesn't matter who it is. As long as you don't drag us down, it's fine."
Hikigaya: "Although it's a bit pathetic to sharpen the spear only before the battle, I've sharpened this spear many times."
Nagumo: "I don't deny your ability, but... I've seen many people like you. In the end, you're just another ordinary person among the masses. So, don't overestimate yourself."
Hikigaya: "As you said, I've always considered myself an ordinary person. You don't need to tell me that."
Beside them, Ryūen, who had been listening to the two talk, couldn't help but laugh.
(End of this chapter)