Early the next morning.

As the phone rang, Kaoru Mitoma groggily opened his eyes.

"I need to pee, you pervert."

The moment the call connected, Kushida Kikyo's impatient voice reached his ears.

"You're up unusually early today?" Kaoru checked the time, somewhat exasperated.

"Stop yapping. One more word and I'm hanging up."

Rustling sounds came from the other end—likely her changing clothes.

After Kaoru gave his permission, faint sounds of running water soon followed, stoking a man's morning wood.

"Hey, are you imagining something?" Kushida suddenly asked.

"You just woke me up. How could I be in the mood for that?" Kaoru tried to rein in his imagination.

Based on the sounds, the girl might be sitting completely naked on the toilet right now.

"Hah, you creep." Kushida snorted coldly. "You dare order me to do this and think you can brush it off with that excuse? If I had to guess, it's not just me—you're probably eyeing our classmates too, aren't you?"

"Are you mad?" Kaoru blinked. The mention of "classmates" likely referred to Sakayanagi.

"Why would I waste anger on a pervert? I'm just annoyed thinking about all the nonsense in our class." Kushida gritted her teeth.

"Especially IKE and Yamauchi—those two mutts were yelling 'long live gym uniforms' yesterday. Even more disgusting than you!"

The sound of running water faded, replaced by the flush of a toilet.

"Honestly, I'd like to see you in a gym uniform too," Kaoru admitted earnestly.

Kushida wasn't surprised—if anything, she'd been waiting for this.

"Fine, I'll wear it for you. But you have to come to Class D this afternoon. We're gathering at the gym."

"What are you planning?"

"Just get here fast!" After a pause, she added in a sultry tone, "Well, Mr. Pervert... don't you want to feel what the gym uniform's like?"

This is bad.

'She's figured out how to push my buttons' Kaoru thought.

"I'll drop by later."

"Deal!"

With that, Kushida's voice brightened, humming a tune.

From initial reluctance to half-hearted compliance, now she showed no trace of displeasure.

If anything... she seemed addicted?

Ending the call, Kaoru got up to wash up.

Staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he thought he looked decent.

Come to think of it, people often said he resembled some celebrity.

Which one, though?

He didn't dwell on it—there was still plenty to do today.

Kiryuin Fuka had agreed to Kaoru's request last night.

Her physical abilities seemed decent, with visible signs of training—likely very flexible too.

Additionally, Kaoru had discussed tactics with Kiriyama Ikuyo while instructing him to report Nagumo Miyabi's movements at all times.

With Kiriyama and Katsuragi keeping tabs on Nagumo, he could afford to divert some attention.

Finishing his morning routine, Kaoru headed out for class.

September marked the transition from summer to autumn, with lingering warmth still in the air.

Students mostly walked along the shaded paths beneath roadside trees.

Some plant must have been in bloom, as the gentle breeze carried waves of sweet fragrance.

Along the way, Kaoru Mitoma occasionally encountered familiar faces.

It wasn't until someone greeted him that he realized he had become somewhat of a minor celebrity.

Before long, Kaoru arrived at Class A's classroom.

Perhaps due to yesterday's events, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Even so, no one approached him.

Instead, more students gathered around Katsuragi.

By the time school ended in the afternoon, Katsuragi called for a brief class meeting.

"Before we begin official practice, I intend to select some capable students to participate in the assigned competitions. Those willing to take on multiple events may do so."

"Will this be voluntary, or will you appoint them yourself, Katsuragi-kun?" Hashimoto Masayoshi asked.

The former was fine, but if it were the latter, it would mean Class A had effectively become Katsuragi's personal domain.

"I'll try to consider everyone's feelings," Katsuragi replied vaguely, though his meaning was clear.

"You've all participated in PE classes before. I think it's obvious who stands out in terms of ability."

He then added, "Of course, if anyone doesn't want to participate, that's fine."

Hashimoto glanced at Sakayanagi before nodding with a smile.

"Then count me in."

He had performed exceptionally well in PE, even securing first place in the swimming class at the start of the term.

Kaoru thought his athletic reflexes were far above average.

"I'll join in too!" Someone raised their hand.

The assigned competition offered generous reward points, so it was natural for classmates to volunteer.

At that moment, someone poked Kaoru beside him.

"Why aren't you raising your hand?"

"Why should I?"

"Hurry up and raise it."

"Why?"

"Because Sakayanagi wants you to participate."

Kaoru glanced at Kamuro beside him and realized she wasn't joking—instead, she wore an impatient expression.

When he looked ahead at Sakayanagi, the girl had clearly noticed the commotion.

Meeting his gaze, she blinked as if urging him.

"My skills are terrible."

The moment he said this, Kamuro grew even more impatient.

She grabbed Kaoru's arm and forcibly raised it for him.

"Hey, Katsuragi! Two more here!"

Kaoru could practically feel the stunned gazes around him.

On the podium, Katsuragi seemed to hesitate before finally nodding.

Kamuro released his arm and turned away, staring out the window as if nothing had happened.

"What event do you want me to do with you?" Kaoru asked.

"Not me. It's her," Kamuro replied stiffly.

"She can't walk properly herself, so she's making me take her place in the three-legged race with you."

Kaoru was momentarily speechless, unable to comprehend the logic behind this.

"Next, we'll begin training according to our respective events. The participation forms can be submitted in the final few days," Katsuragi said, satisfied.

With Kamuro and Kaoru joining, twelve students from the class had now volunteered for the assigned competition.

Aside from a few exceptions, most were on the predetermined list, sparing him further persuasion.

Moreover, some were even members of Sakayanagi's faction.

He hadn't expected them to cooperate willingly—this was a surprise.

Unusual behavior always hinted at hidden motives.

Perhaps, as Kaoru had suggested, Sakayanagi was plotting something.

--------------------------------

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