It's been a week since the last homeroom. This weekly scheduled period is supposedly free to use for the sports festival, so we're currently holding a discussion to prepare for the main event.
Ms. Chabashira, who has given up the podium and is leaning against the lockers at the back, looks visibly skeptical, though he isn't saying anything. It makes sense. In a class-wide discussion like this, either I or Yousuke-kun usually stand at the front. However, all eyes are on neither me nor Yousuke-kun.
"I will be the moderator. Is everyone okay with that?"
Suzune's voice echoes through the spacious classroom, which easily fits 40 people. While her tone is the same as usual, a slight nervousness peeks through her movements.
"Don't be so stiff, Suzune-chan. It's a fun sports festival, so just relax, relax."
"...Right. Let's get to the main topic, then."
I throw out a casual comment to help her relax. Suzune-chan's shoulders visibly shake for a second, but it seems to have worked. From then on, she continues her explanation in a calm tone.
"We're going to discuss the sports festival, but there are a few things we need to decide first. The order of participation in the events and the participants for the recommended events. I intend to firm up our strategy here before we start practicing."
"Do you have something in mind, Horikita-san?"
Assuming she has a clear opinion, Kushida-san asks Suzune-chan.
"If it were just my personal opinion, I think the order of events should be decided based on individual abilities. Specifically, placing the most capable people in the optimal positions to win. The benefit, as I just said, is an increase in our winning percentage. The drawback is that it may ignore the wishes of both athletic and non-athletic people."
As if anticipating the question, Suzune-chan smoothly writes "Ability-Based System" on the blackboard, along with its pros and cons.
"You mentioned arranging people to increase our winning percentage, but what kind of arrangement are you planning?"
"One key characteristic of the scoring is that for 3rd place or higher, the difference is two points for every rank change. So, to widen the point gap with other classes, I plan to have people with above-average abilities—especially students like Sudou-kun and Saitou-kun, who are good at sports—secure 1st place without fail. The other students who are above-average in sports will be placed one per group to aim for 3rd place or higher."
"You get it, Horikita! We should definitely go with that!"
Sudou-kun, happy to have his name mentioned, exclaims excitedly.
However, thinking about this arrangement, one concern comes to mind.
"But with that plan, you won't have enough people for all the groups, will you? For a single group, you'd need about two people from each class, right? What about people who aren't good at sports?"
The total number of first-year students is 160. In a 100-meter dash, a single heat would probably have about 8 people. This means each class would have to field at least two people.
In response to Shinohara-san's point, Suzune-chan takes a deep breath and then declares, "To put it simply, I intend to have the slower people team up with the faster people."
If a student with the potential to get 3rd place were to team up with Sudou-kun, the former would be pretty much guaranteed to drop to 4th. While it's not always that simple, it would create a significant difference overall. It's a good strategy for a reliable win.
However, to say there are no problems would be a lie. A few students in the class are already showing signs of displeasure.
"Hmm... We might win, but that means we're lowering our own chances of winning, right?"
Shinohara-san looks troubled. That's surprising. I thought she would protest more strongly... Maybe it's because she doesn't think badly of Suzune-chan herself. You could see that the deeper connections Suzune-chan had been forging were gradually leading Class D in a positive direction.
"...That's true. My plan does force those who are not good at sports to make a sacrifice. However, if the class wins, the points we get back will be significant."
"That may be true, but... the points for getting a good test score are pretty big, aren't they?"
For Shinohara-san, who struggles with her grades, the test points she could get for placing 3rd or higher would be extremely valuable. It's also a fact that if she gets teamed up with strong students like Sudou-kun, or paired with someone unathletic for events like the cavalry battle or three-legged race, the podium will become a distant dream for her, even if she tries her best to get there.
"Just stop it, Shinohara. If we lose because of you guys, can you take responsibility? Huh?"
"Well... but..."
When it comes to the sports festival, it's a field day for those who are athletic. Sudou-kun, who was thought to be the most useless in terms of academics, now holds significant influence and control.
Shinohara-san seems like she's about to back down, but how will Suzune-chan respond?
"Of course, I don't intend to neglect those who make sacrifices for the sake of our victory. The points a student loses for getting last place will be offset by the points earned by the top-ranked students."
"...Well, if that's the case."
It's a good plan that considers the opposition's perspective by reducing the risk of losing in exchange for a lower chance of winning for individuals. However, the changed Suzune-chan is not the kind of person who would stop there.
"If you're worried about your test scores, Saitou-kun and I will help you. ...Let's see. My track record can be proven by the fact that I helped his grades, who's currently having fun over there, to become average-ish, would you say?"
"H-hey, we don't need to talk about that right now! And you don't need to say 'average-ish'!"
"Oh? I thought that was a dream come true for you, Sudou-kun... If you don't need my help on the next test, that would be a relief for me, too."
"...Please help me."
Sudou-kun's words make the entire class burst into laughter. This exchange is a testament to everything Suzune-chan has learned at this school. In reality, Shinohara-san's concern is something she could solve by studying on her own. But instead of pointing that out, Suzune-chan considered her feelings and responded with a joke. Her cleverness to casually include me in the conversation is a plus.
Mr. Chabashira, who was holding his clipboard and looking bored, widens his eyes in surprise at this unexpected exchange.
Since it was funny, I'll secretly give her a peace sign... Whoa, she's glaring at me. Scary.
"...I'm being naturally left out here."
lol. Don't get so down, Kiyotaka-kun. You're not exactly known for being a smarty-pants.
Despite the trivial incident of Kiyotaka-kun getting depressed, the discussion ended in much less time than we had anticipated.
"Alright, from today on, I'll be directing the sports festival. I can't guarantee that no one will feel dissatisfied, but since you've all agreed to cooperate, I'll do my best."
"There you go, being so stiff again, Horikita-san! It's okay to be more easygoing!"
Even Shinohara-san, who was just looking displeased, is now like this. Maybe she really is a born people-pleaser.
"...It's good that Horikita is liked, but I don't know... it's kind of complicated."
"Are you still hung up on that?"
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The Next Day
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"I borrowed it."
During our next P.E. class, Hirata brought a grip strength meter that he had applied for at the school. For the time being, a large portion of our class time had been allotted as free time, with permission for everyone to practice whatever they wanted.
Horikita's plan, which was adopted, was to rank people by ability and simply gather the strongest. It's a simple but effective benchmark, especially for events that require pure strength and are often male-dominated.
"What's your target ranking?"
As Hirata was explaining with the meter, Tsugumi, who was standing next to me, tapped me on the shoulder.
"Let's see... about the top 3 in the class would be a good target."
"Then let's aim for 70. It won't stand out too much, and it'll be just right."
With that advice, Sudou takes the grip strength meter.
"I'll go first, Hirata. By me going first, everyone can see a high goal."
His logic is a little hard to follow, but it's clear he just wants to show off his strength.
"Hmm... okay. I'll ask the person next to Sudou-kun, Sotou-kun, to go next."
It seems the meter was not the one Hirata had just given him, but one he had snatched from another student. He seems confident, but how strong is he really?
"Watch me, all of you... HRAAAH!!"
Sudou grips the meter with his right hand and squeezes hard with a loud yell. The digital numbers rapidly increase, quickly passing 50, then 60, and 70. The final value displayed is 82.4 kg. A murmur spreads through the surrounding students.
"That's just brute strength!"
"Hah! How's that for ya?! Now you go, Ayanokouji. Do it already."
Since I was standing next to Sudou, the meter is passed to me. It's a good thing I asked Tsugumi for a target.
"Alright."
I take the meter, turn the monitor toward me, and grip it. I've squeezed these things hundreds, even thousands of times, but this is the first time I've had to adjust my strength to hit a specific number.
I slowly increase my grip, passing 50, and then make fine adjustments. I continue to slow down after passing 60 and stop precisely around 70.
"...It won't go any higher."
I say that and hand the meter to Ike, who is next to me. Then I head to Hirata to report my result.
"70.3."
"Eh... Ayanokouji-kun, have you done any sports?"
"No, I haven't done any specific sports. The only thing I can think of is that I've been training with Tsugumi recently."
I quickly come up with an excuse when I see Hirata's surprised expression. I was relieved that my score would be less impressive after Sudou's, but it's surprising that my result is only about 10 kg less than someone so dedicated to sports. ...Come to think of it, I feel like Tsugumi tricked me with the punching machine too.
"I see. That's reassuring! Ayanokouji-kun."
A pang of guilt for lying surfaces when I see Hirata's pure smile. It was the same on the cruise ship exam, but Hirata tends to think highly of me... Well, it's not a bad feeling, I guess.
"Hirata~ I got 42.6. Can you give me a little bonus and make it 50?"
Ike comes to report his score. His request for a "little bonus" is not small at all. Hirata gives a wry smile but writes down 42.6 accurately in his notebook. Sotou got 41, and Miyamoto, who went after him, got 48. Indeed, there were many results below 50. Hirata, who is also good at sports, scored 57.9.
"...You tricked me, didn't you? With this, a score of around 60 would've been fine."
"Sorry, sorry. Just think of it as playing it safe? I'll cover for the fact that you stood out."
With that, the meter is passed to Tsugumi. It seems all the other boys have measured their strength. Since it's Tsugumi's turn, who is considered the most athletic in the class, even Kouenji is watching with interest.
"It's been a year~ I hope it's gone up from last year... Hup."
With a soft sound, Tsugumi looks at the monitor and squeezes the meter. The number instantly breaks 70, passes Sudou's record, and continues to increase at a steady pace. It stops perfectly at 90.
"Oh! It's gone up from last year. Here, Yousuke-kun."
"This is..."
Tsugumi hands the meter with the number still displayed to Hirata. Sudou and Ike gather around the surprised Hirata. The number on the monitor shocks them.
"Huh?! 90.0! You must be cheating!"
"Don't compliment me so much~"
Sudou shakes my chest back and forth, looking like he can't believe it, but he must know that there's no way to cheat on this. ...He really did steal the spotlight. I'm thankful for that.
"Hey."
"Hm, what is it?"
However, there was something that personally caught my attention, so I tapped Tsugumi, who had returned to his spot, on the shoulder and asked.
"Was that your full strength?"
"Ah, you caught me?"
If you want to use your full strength, the correct way is to exhale with a burst of force, like Sudou did, and squeeze it with a downward motion. Tsugumi, on the other hand, just gave a soft squeeze while looking at the monitor with a light utterance. The way the number climbed also indicates this. Normally, it wouldn't stop so cleanly.
However, my certainty was due to an entirely different reason.
"I saw that thing on the uninhabited island exam. There's no way you can use your full strength with that kind of grip."
"Ah... I see."
That's right. I remembered the blow Tsugumi delivered to Ryuuen on the uninhabited island. While Tsugumi's physique is quite good, I couldn't believe he could deliver such a blow considering his build.
And there's no way the grip strength of a person who can deliver that kind of blow is a mere 90 kg.
"I'm going to go all out during the real thing. Isn't it unfair if I keep hiding it?"
It's not that I'm doubting Tsugumi. I've long since passed that stage. However, it's a matter of curiosity: who is stronger? Me, the so-called masterpiece of the White Room, or Tsugumi, who has been honing his natural talent since childhood.
"Well, that's true... Sorry, Yousuke-kun. Can you lend me that for a second?"
"? Yeah, of course."
"Thanks. ...This makes my muscles sore, so I don't really want to do it. It probably won't be able to measure it anyway."
He borrows the meter from Hirata and then opens and closes his right hand repeatedly before gripping it tightly. The intensity is completely different from before. Tsugumi closes his eyes for a moment, takes a small breath, and squeezes. He seems to be trying to do it without making a loud sound, perhaps to avoid drawing attention.
"Ouch... I should have used my left hand. I wonder if I can even eat dinner tonight."
Tsugumi hands the meter to me while dangling his right hand. I guess he wants me to see the result for myself. I'm uncharacteristically excited to see what kind of record he'll show me, but what's displayed on the monitor isn't a number.
"E-R-R-O-R... What the hell?"
"Like the power you get in an emergency? It's weird, I've been able to do it since I was born. I didn't want to do it because it makes my muscles sore."
The maximum range of the meter is 10 to 120 kg. It displays an ERROR when the reading is outside of that range. The fact that Tsugumi, who just scored 90 kg, caused an error without any cheating means that it's exactly what it seems to be.
"Well, that's what it is. The human body is interesting, isn't it?"
In all animals, not just humans, going all out puts a heavy strain on the muscles and nervous system, leading to muscle soreness and injury. The muscle soreness Tsugumi mentioned is likely caused by this.
To prevent this, the brain unconsciously places a limiter on the body, so it doesn't use 100% of its power during normal circumstances.
However, in emergency situations like a fire or an accident, this limiter can be released by extreme tension or excitement. At these times, a person unconsciously feels like they can "produce more power than usual," and their true strength can be fully unleashed. This is what's commonly known as "the power you get in an emergency."
"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"
"Hm? I'm fine, I'm fine. I'll just put on a compress and do some light stretches tonight. I'm used to it."
You've probably seen people shout to give themselves a boost in sports or martial arts. This is also related to that "power you get in an emergency."
In the past, there was no way to scientifically prove it, so people would just shout to get a boost, hoping it would help. However, the usefulness of shouting has now been scientifically proven.
But to get this kind of result, with only muscle soreness as a consequence...
"...This is getting interesting."
"Whoa, you've got a really scary look on your face, Kiyotaka-kun. A look that shouldn't be seen by people."
What kind of training does it take to get to that level? Geniuses are terrifying.
"You said you've been going for a run recently, didn't you? What time do you go?"
"Eh? Around 6:30?"
"I see. Then let me join you. My body feels sluggish."
"Eh... well, okay."
I'm surprised at how eager I am, which is uncharacteristic for me, but I guess this is also a part of youth.
However, it was an undeniable fact that I was enjoying this moment more than any other in my life.
---------
That Night
"Ouch, ouch... Sorry, Arisu-chan. Could you grab that spoon and fork for me?"
"How pitiful, Tsugumi-kun. What kind of exercise makes it so you can't use chopsticks?"
"Well, I just got a little fired up."
"...It can't be helped. Here, say, 'ah'."
"Eh?"
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"...Ah."
"Good. Here, there's still a lot left. Eat up and show me how cool you are, okay?"
============
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