After a long preparation period, the day of the final special exam of the first year has finally arrived.
The losing class will have their commander expelled. However, since all classes except ours have protection points, it will only result in losing those points.
Entering this exam without protection points is either the mark of an extremely confident person or a reckless schemer.
You could say Ryuuen Kōhei's approach is unique—fitting neither of those descriptions.
As the commander, Ryuuen has already left the classroom. At the same time, our homeroom teacher, Sakagami-sensei, has also left.
The rest of us are essentially on standby, waiting for instructions from the multipurpose room.
After a while, an unfamiliar male teacher enters. Since I don't recognize him, he must be from another grade.
"In place of Sakagami-sensei, I will inform you of the participants once the events are decided. Please follow my instructions for moving and preparing."
He presses a remote in his hand, and a monitor unfolds on the whiteboard.
Displayed on it is the announcement of the first event.
I see, so this is how we'll observe the events.
"Do you think you can win this exam?"
The voice comes from Ibuki, sitting next to me, glancing sideways at me.
"Who knows? There's no way to tell until we try. Under Ryuuen's orders, Ishizaki and the others have been provoking Class B quite a bit lately."
A few days ago, Ryuuen gave instructions, and Ishizaki's group went all out—to the point where they genuinely seemed like delinquents.
"That might be true, but if luck swings in Class B's favor, the odds of losing are pretty high, aren't they?"
All ten events Class B proposed are decided by academic ability. They're our worst match-up, given that none of us are exactly top students.
"That's exactly why Ryuuen went through with his ruthless plan. How it plays out in this exam will determine victory or defeat."
There's no event where winning is outright impossible, after all.
"Is that all?"
"That's all. Well, I might not even get a turn."
I meant to answer casually, but Ibuki gradually narrowed her eyes.
"There's no way you won't get a turn. Ryuuen will definitely use you. I can say that with certainty."
"Don't say that with such confidence. It gives me a bad feeling."
I'd like to think it's just Ibuki's misunderstanding, but I can't shake a faint sense of foreboding.
As we were talking, the monitor switched.
---
『Japanese Language Test』
Required: 5 people | Time: 20 minutes
Rules:
- Solve a problem set within the first-year curriculum.
- Compete based on total points.
Commander's Role:
- Can answer one question in place of a participant.
---
The first event is the Japanese test—chosen by Class B.
The teacher checks the monitor again, confirms something through his earpiece, and addresses us.
"By the commander's orders, the following five are selected: 『Arakawa Mamoru』, 『Nagano Miki』, 『Yabu Nanami』, 『Yamashita Saki』, and 『Michinaga Yūto』. Please proceed to the multipurpose room."
The five called stand up and leave the classroom, cheered on by the class.
The monitor changes, showing the multipurpose room.
Five students from Class C and Class B sit at prepared desks, receive test papers, and the exam begins.
"Do your best...!"
With Ryuuen's expulsion on the line, Ishizaki and the others watch the monitor as if praying.
It's not like cheering will change anything, but they must really not want Ryuuen to be expelled.
After a while, the test ends, and Mashima-sensei, Class A's homeroom teacher, begins tallying the scores.
"The results are in: Class B, 420 points. Class C, 349 points. The first match goes to Class B."
"Damn it! Seriously?!"
Disappointed voices fill the classroom at the result.
Losing an opponent's event can't be helped, but it would've been good to win here for morale's sake.
The five who lost the Japanese test return, looking apologetic, and the next event is announced.
---
『Karate』
Required: 3 people | Time: 10 minutes
Rules:
- Three-minute matches with non-contact rules.
- Winner-stays format.
Commander's Role:
- Can replay one match of their choice.
---
"By the commander's orders, 『Suzuki Shūkichi』, 『Kondō Masashi』, and 『Ishizaki Daichi』 are selected. Please proceed to the dojo once ready."
The second event is ours—and a highly favorable one.
The commander's involvement is also well-balanced, allowing a rematch in case of an unexpected loss, giving us a solid advantage.
"Alright! Leave it to us! We'll definitely win!"
"We're counting on you, Ishizaki!"
Fists bump as Ishizaki and the others, fired up, are seen off by the whole class.
The monitor shows the dojo, where the three from Class C glare at Class B's selected trio, looking ready to brawl at any moment.
The result ends almost too easily.
Class B puts up a fight, but against Ishizaki's group's sheer physicality, they stand no chance. Each match ends swiftly, sealing Class C's victory.
"Hell yeah! Nice one, Ishizaki!"
Led by Komiya, cheers erupt in the classroom. The victory on the monitor has everyone unable to contain their excitement.
"See that, you bastards?! This is Ryuuen's power!"
Ishizaki's first words upon returning are... well, this wasn't Ryuuen's power, it was yours, wasn't it?
I almost say it out loud, but killing the mood wouldn't be good.
Either way, it's now 1-1. We've recovered from the earlier loss.
The next event will heavily influence the outcome.
And the chosen event is...
---
『Chemistry Test』
Required: 4 people | Time: 20 minutes
Rules:
- Solve a problem set within the first-year curriculum.
- Compete based on total points.
Commander's Role:
- Can answer one question in place of a participant.
---
The third event is another Class B choice. Winning here would make it 2-1 in our favor.
"For the chemistry test, 『Kaneda Satoru』, 『Shiina Hiyori』, 『Miyamoto Akashi』, and 『Takahashi Kaori』 are selected. Please proceed when ready."
The chosen are among Class C's better students. Ryuuen must be aiming for a sure win.
As the four are about to leave, I accidentally meet Hiyori's eyes.
"...!"
Noticing me, she smiles and gives a small wave.
I wave back. But she doesn't stop there—she desperately moves her lips as if trying to tell me something.
"Huh...?"
This time, she mouths the words slowly.
I try to decipher it, and bit by bit, I start to understand.
"If... I win... I want... a reward...?"
I manage to parse it, but... is that really it? What kind of reward does she even want? It's an adorably vague request.
Well, I did want to reward Hiyori for being used by Ryuuen, so I'll grant her wish.
To show I understand, I nod at her. She beams happily and leaves the classroom.
"That hurt, you know..."
Once the exchange ends, my neighbor delivers a sharp kick to my leg.
"H-Hey, wait—"
I try to reason with Ibuki, but the kicks don't stop.
After several seconds of this, her foot finally settles down.
"What was that for...?"
"N-Nothing... Ask your own heart."
Told that, I reluctantly place a hand on my chest and think...
"I don't feel anything in particular."
My heart seems to lament its emptiness.
"Haah... I was an idiot for asking you."
With an exaggerated sigh, Ibuki turns away.
It feels incredibly unfair, but arguing now would probably just invite more kicks, so I stay silent.
.....
In the room where the commanders of Class B and Class C were gathered, the results of the fourth match were announced.
"After tallying the scores, Class B has 601 points. Class C has 409 points. The fourth match goes to Class B."
Upon hearing Mashima's announcement, Ichinose let out a relieved sigh.
Since the fourth match was an academic test chosen by Class B, it was an absolute must-win for them.
"Got lucky there, huh, Ichinose? Thanks to back-to-back events being Class B's picks."
"...Yeah."
Despite the victory, Ichinose showed no ease, while Ryūen, the loser, displayed no signs of panic.
The reason lay in the third match. Though Class B had chosen the Chemistry Test, during the exam, multiple students suddenly fell ill—two out of four complained of stomach pains and had to withdraw. The remaining two were helpless, leading to a crushing defeat.
Ryūen smirked inwardly, everything going exactly as planned. The only thing that slightly puzzled him was how unusually happy Shiina Hiyori seemed after being selected for the Chemistry Test.
"Sir... have the students who complained of stomach pains returned from the restroom yet?"
Ichinose asked Mashima, who checked with Class B.
"No, they still haven't returned. They're still feeling unwell."
"I see..."
Ichinose suspected the relentless harassment from Class D (now Class C) was to blame. She had reported it to the school, but it was dismissed as mere arguments—no disciplinary action was taken.
There was no doubt that Ryūen, sitting across from her, had orchestrated it all.
Taking deep breaths to steady herself, Ichinose tried to regain her composure.
"Haaah... It's fine, it's fine."
No matter what tricks were pulled, as long as they fought steadily, they wouldn't lose. She desperately clung to that thought, rebuilding her confidence.
"Hey, teachers. Hurry up and start the fifth match. If Class B can't even manage their health properly on exam day, why should we cut them any slack?"
"Watch your tone, Ryūen."
Chabashira reprimanded him, but Ryūen paid no mind. If anything, he grew bolder.
"Who knows if they're really in the bathroom or just scheming something? Right, Ichinose?"
"I-I haven't done anything...!"
This relentless verbal assault had been directed at Ichinose since she arrived as commander.
"Playing the good girl while your whole class conspires against us? Simultaneous 'stomach pains'? That's no coincidence. Either your class is full of fakers, or you're all just rotten."
"T-That's not true! Everyone in my class is good—!"
"Then why aren't they back yet?"
"T-That's..."
Ichinose fell silent, unable to answer.
"Pfft. Nothing to say? What a boring commander."
"..."
"Anyway, hurry it up, teach."
Laughing at Ichinose's silence, Ryūen shot Chabashira a look.
"Ryūen does have a point. Mashima-sensei, please proceed with the fifth match."
Mashima began the draw.
---
『Judo』
Required: 3 people | Time: 10 minutes
Rules:
- Three-minute matches with non-contact rules.
- Winner-stays format.
Commander's Role:
- Can replay one match of their choice.
---
"Alright, now it's our turn. Bring whoever you want."
Ryūen selected 『Oda Takumi』, 『Komiya Kango』, and 『Nakamura Naoki』.
Ichinose also picked three, but since they had been practicing for karate, they struggled to adapt to judo rules.
The match ended even faster than expected—so decisively that defeat seemed inevitable. Even the commander's intervention couldn't change the outcome.
With this fifth loss, Class B was cornered. The sixth match would decide their fate.
"Man, this is hilarious, Ichinose."
While waiting for the next draw, Ryūen taunted the silent Ichinose.
"Started off as the second-strongest class, but now you're reduced to praying for a miracle. Pathetic."
It wasn't that Ichinose's strategy was flawed.
Against any other class, they might have scraped a win.
But their opponent was just too ruthless. That was all.
If they didn't draw one of their own events now, they stood no chance.
And then—the sixth match was announced.
---
『Mixed Martial Arts』
Required: 1 person | Time: 4 minutes
Rules:
- Standard MMA rules apply.
Commander's Role:
- Can nullify the result and replay the match once.
---
A one-on-one battle—Class B's worst nightmare.
"Keh... heh. This at the very end? You've got some luck, Ichinose."
"Wha—?"
This was the one event Class B had deemed unwinnable.
The reason? Class C had 『Yamada Albert』—a literal giant. No one in Class B stood a chance against him.
"Ichinose, let me guess what you're thinking: 'No way we can beat Albert.' Right?"
"..."
Ryūen grinned while watching the selection screen.
Then—
"——There. Gave you exactly what you wanted."
"!?"
Ryūen selected 『Hikigaya Hachiman』.
"W-Why...?"
Ichinose's voice trembled.
Choosing Hachiman over the guaranteed win with Albert made no sense.
"Kukuku... Must've misclicked. Guess we might lose this one."
His expression showed no fear of defeat.
"...!"
Seeing an opportunity, Ichinose picked 『Kendō Gōki』—one of Class B's most physically capable students.
Hope flickered in her eyes. Though Hachiman was called Ryūen's right-hand man, his physique was nowhere near Albert's. Against Kendō, they had a real shot.
Ryūen laughed. Ichinose's face stiffened.
As both commanders played their final cards, the sixth match began.
...
The teacher announced, "The selected participant is Hikigaya Hachiman. Please proceed to the venue when ready."
"Hell yeah! This match is already ours!" Ishizaki's excited shout immediately filled the classroom the moment my name was called.
"See? I told you you'd be picked," Ibuki said with a knowing smirk.
"I was really hoping I wouldn't be..."
"Relax. It's not like you're going to lose anyway."
"Alright! With this, our victory is guaranteed! Go finish this quickly, Hikigaya!"
"Yes! Monster boy!"
"Good luck, Hachiman-kun!"
Ishizaki, Albert, and Hiyori all came over to cheer me on enthusiastically. Though I wish Albert would stop calling me that nickname...
Since Ishizaki, Albert and Ibuki had witnessed my rooftop fight with Ayanokouji, they seemed absolutely convinced of my victory.
Hiyori shouldn't know about that incident... yet somehow she seems to have just as much faith in me.
"...Why would Ryuuen choose Hikigaya here? Wouldn't Albert have been the safer choice?" Kaneda voiced the question that was probably on everyone's mind.
To most of the class, I'm just seen as moderately athletic. By any normal logic, sending Albert would have made more sense.
"Heh heh~ You guys just don't get it, do you? Right, Albert?"
"Yes!"
Ishizaki and Albert exchanged smug looks directed at Kaneda. Even Hiyori seemed oddly pleased with herself.
"Hikigaya Hachiman, it's time. Please make your way to the venue," the supervising teacher urged.
I'd been desperately searching for any possible way to get out of this, but it seems there's no escape now.
"Well, I'm off."
"Go get 'em!"
"Be careful out there!"
Steeling myself, I walked out of the classroom under the intense gaze of nearly every classmate.
.....
Selected as the mixed martial arts representative, I made my way to the judo hall.
An unfamiliar teacher stood between me and Kendō from Class B, motioning for us to step forward.
My opponent was a mountain of a man. Not quite Albert's size, but still towering over me at what must have been 180 centimeters, looking down at me with undisguised skepticism.
"I don't understand why they chose you," he said, just before the match was about to begin. "Class C has Yamada."
"Who knows? Maybe they misclicked," I replied, waving my hands dismissively. My answer didn't seem to satisfy him.
"Mind if I ask you something?"
"What?"
"You were picked for this event—do you have any martial arts experience?"
"I was trained in various combat styles by my father."
"How long ago was that?"
"...About four years of serious training."
"I see."
He looked slightly unsettled by my answer but didn't let his guard down. Still, I could tell he was underestimating me.
"Now, we will begin the sixth event: Mixed Martial Arts."
The referee raised his hand, signaling the start.
Kendō took his stance, poised to strike the moment the match began.
I figured I should at least pretend to try, so I loosely raised my fists—though it felt completely unnatural.
––––––Well, whatever.
"Begin!"
At the referee's call, Kendō immediately lashed out with a right straight aimed at my face.
"–––––––"
I sidestepped his punch and drove a kick straight into his neck—one of the fastest knockout points on the human body. The impact sent him staggering, and in that split second, I followed up with a sharp knifehand strike to the same spot.
Kendō collapsed onto his back, completely motionless.
"...Huh? Uh— Due to the Class B participant losing consciousness, a rematch is impossible. This event goes to Class C."
The referee, initially flustered, managed to regain his composure and announce the result.
"Can I go back now?"
"Y-Yes. The seventh event will begin shortly, so return to your classroom immediately."
With the referee's confirmation, I turned to leave.
Glancing back, I saw the referee checking on Kendō's condition.
"Sorry, but––––––I didn't start training four years ago."
Muttering those last words under my breath, I walked away, leaving my unconscious opponent behind.
....
As I stepped back into the classroom, a wave of cheers and applause washed over me from all directions. While I appreciated the praise from my classmates, I definitely made the right call when I stopped Ishizaki before he could attempt to lift me up in one of those victory tosses.
With the sixth match concluded, we moved straight into the seventh and final event. The outcome was decided almost instantly - another event we had selected, one where victory was virtually guaranteed with just a single participant. Ryuuen didn't hesitate for a second before naming Albert as our representative, while Ichinose apparently forfeited without even selecting a competitor.
Just like that, Class C's victory was set in stone.
While everyone celebrated excitedly, the exam's conclusion meant we were free to leave for the day. As I walked down the hallway toward the school's main entrance, I found Ryuuen leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed, clearly having waited for me.
"Heh. You really are one terrifying monster. Today answered all my questions," Ryuuen said with his characteristic smirk.
I assumed he was referring to getting confirmation about my true capabilities. "So you put me in that match just to test my strength?"
"Maybe that was part of it," he admitted. "But the main reason? I knew with absolute certainty you'd win."
Our voices echoed through the deserted hallway as we spoke.
"Now that you've seen what I can do, has it dampened your fighting spirit at all?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. I just wanted to hear him say it.
"Dampened my spirit?" Ryuuen repeated before suddenly spinning toward me and launching a vicious kick aimed straight at my arm. I crossed my arms defensively, catching the blow with my opposite hand.
"Don't make me laugh," he growled. "Right now I'm itching to fight you more than ever. After today? My desire has doubled. I can't wait to crush you."
The intensity in his glare was palpable - a boiling fighting spirit mixed with lethal intent, all directed squarely at me.
"But not today," he continued, stepping back. "I'm careful like that. I'll wait until the moment I can destroy you with absolute certainty."
With those final words, Ryuuen turned and walked down the hallway.
"Absolute certainty, huh?" I murmured to myself.
I had expected this. Ryuuen was dead serious about coming for me - he would gain experience, grow stronger, and eventually come at me with everything he had.
"I'm actually looking forward to it," I realized aloud.
Looking forward to it... This might be the first time I've ever felt genuinely excited about something.
...
After parting ways with Ryuuen, I headed straight back to the dorm.
I was reflecting on everything that had happened when my phone buzzed with new messages - three of them, to be exact.
I could check them later, but they might be urgent.
The first was from... Horikita Manabu.
He's been messaging me quite often recently.
"I'd like to treat you to dinner tomorrow during your day off."
This might be the first time I've seen someone phrase an invitation like that.
The wording was odd, but I didn't mind accepting. I'd turned down his last offer, and besides...
"Before he graduates, it wouldn't hurt to have one more proper conversation."
Somehow, he's the senior I've interacted with the most.
I sent a reply agreeing to the invitation and moved on to the next message.
"About what I mentioned before the chemistry test today... If you're willing, I'd like to spend a day together, just the two of us."
The second message was from Hiyori.
For this one, there was no choice but to accept. I genuinely enjoy spending time with her—if anything, I'd be the one making the request.
The third message was from Arisu.
"I'm unbearably irritated right now. Let me stay at your place tonight."
...Huh?
=================================
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