Chapter 126: Chapter 126 – Bet
"Regarding the red and white group division that Nagumo mentioned..." Horikita Manabu glanced at Nagumo again: "You suggested modifying the group division to a format more suitable for each class, right?"
"Yes, exactly, Horikita-senpai," Nagumo took over, his fists clenched under the table: "I think it would be better for each class to participate individually, in a free-for-all battle."
"Some classes clearly have more students talented in sports, while others do not. The red and white group division method can put some classes at a disadvantage, fighting as one against two, and allow other classes to benefit unfairly."
"It would be more equitable to have each class compete separately, with all grades participating indiscriminately. First-year students should also compete alongside higher grades, fully showcasing each class's athletic capabilities."
As Nagumo spoke, his ultimate goal became evident: he wanted an all-grade competition, clearly aiming to use this as a means to target Yukio's class during the sports festival.
Horikita Manabu nodded but didn't express agreement or disagreement. Instead, he turned to Yukio: "Yukio, what do you think?"
On the surface, Horikita Manabu seemed impartial, willing to hear both vice presidents' suggestions before deciding. However, it was clear to everyone that Yukio and Nagumo's rivalry was already unfolding.
Horikita Manabu's reason for asking Yukio's opinion was to subtly support him. If Yukio rejected Nagumo's proposal, he could do the same, thus protecting Yukio from being targeted by Nagumo during the sports festival.
Ichinose, sitting beside Yukio, watched anxiously. She caught on to Nagumo's intention to attack Yukio's class during the sports festival, something she wished to prevent.
The sports festival, meant to be a celebration of youth and vigor, shouldn't have turned into this.
Yukio, however, was even more aggressive and straightforward than Nagumo: "I agree with this proposal. After all, Nagumo and I have a prior agreement to make his second-year A class rank last in this sports festival."
"If we follow the previous years' red and white group division, how could I fulfill my promise to Nagumo?"
Yukio could clearly sense Horikita Manabu's intent to assist him, but he didn't need Horikita Manabu's help; he wanted to crush Nagumo.
To show Nagumo that just as he could step on him during the pool incident, he could also do so again at the sports festival.
"!" The already shocked Kiriyama, who was just there for the drama, was stunned into cold sweat. This freshman was outrageously bold, directly declaring war on Nagumo and vowing to make Nagumo's class rank last. The guts of the new generation was astonishing.
Nagumo struggled to maintain his composure, his face twitching between anger and forced smiles: "Who knows? Perhaps it will be your class, Yukio-kun, that ends up in last place."
"Enough." Horikita Manabu stopped Nagumo's sarcasm while subtly adjusting his glasses, inwardly sighing at the trouble both brought. Inviting them into the student council, he wondered, was it really the right decision? He began to doubt his judgement in selecting members. Although their capabilities were undeniable, they seemed problematic in almost every other aspect.
However, this was also good in Horikita Manabu's view. He believed that only someone like Yukio could suppress Nagumo after his graduation. He could help Yukio for a year, but after graduating, he wouldn't be able to offer any assistance. Thus, he decided to let them clash at the sports festival: "Well, if both vice presidents agree."
"Then for this sports festival, I will report to the school authorities our student council's suggestion to change the usual red and white team division to an all-grade individual competition."
With Horikita Manabu's final decision, Yukio gave Nagumo a teasing look, filled with amusement, hoping the second-year student would provide some entertainment.
Nagumo, not wanting to show weakness, glared back at Yukio, internally vowing to make Yukio lose miserably.
Ichinose, after witnessing Horikita Manabu's decisive action and then looking at Yukio, sighed helplessly. What a situation this was!
She resigned herself to just see how things would unfold, genuinely wishing to avoid any conflict. Unfortunately, reality often proved contrary to one's desires.
Regarding Kiriyama and Tachibana, both followed Horikita Manabu's lead. With Horikita Manabu having spoken, these two spectators naturally had no further opinions, and the matter was thus settled.
"Next," Horikita Manabu tapped the U-shaped desk, "is whether to include fun competitions. After the past two sports festivals, some students reflected that having only official events made the festival monotonous and less enjoyable.
"So, the school has thrown this issue to us, the student council, to decide."
Nagumo frowned, advocating for a survival-of-the-fittest approach and having little interest in trivial matters, thus he kept silent.
Yukio, on the other hand, was intrigued: "Sounds good, let's add one for relaxation. I think the race where you run with a piece of bread hanging from your mouth is quite interesting."
This bread race involves hanging a piece of bread high up with a string, and students have to run underneath, jump up without using their hands, bite the bread off the string, and carry it to the finish line without dropping it.
Nagumo immediately dismissed Yukio's suggestion as "boring," never missing a chance to undermine him.
Undisturbed, Yukio had prepared this bait specifically for Nagumo, who took the bait, delighting Yukio: "Oh? I was actually thinking of challenging you to a one-on-one match in this fun event."
Nagumo was puzzled. Who competes for victory in a fun event? Aren't normal competitions about running, long jump, etc.?
Yukio, with an inscrutable smile, raised the stakes: "I was thinking of adding a bit more excitement with a 5 million private points bet. Interested in taking the challenge, Nagumo?"
Nagumo couldn't grasp what Yukio was plotting with such a high stake on a mere fun event. Yet, unfazed, he accepted: "Fine, but 5 million is too little. How about 10 million? Just hope you won't back out after losing, Yukio."
"Of course not," Yukio looked around, "I'm okay with 10 million!. Everyone here can testify, I won't back out. I just wonder if you will keep your word."
***
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