Starting from the next day's homeroom, Class D begins training for the sports festival. Class B and Class A are both doing reconnaissance on the other students. Class C, however, remains in their classroom without looking outside at all.

" Are you worried about Ryuuen-kun? " Suzune ask Karma who shrug.

" Not really, a little? "

Suzune looked unconvinced. " What you mentioned earlier, about Ryuuen-kun already having a strategy? I suppose this means that his plans are already in place. Reconnaissance isn't necessary for him. Anyone would want information on the other classes. They should want to know who is physically gifted, who'll participate in which contests, and so on. But him... "

Kiyotaka sighed. " The important thing is not to be satisfied just with knowing that Ryuuen has a plan. "

" What do you mean? "

" Normally, when someone has a secret plan in place, they do whatever it takes to ensure that their enemies don't figure it out. However, Ryuuen Isn't even trying to hide the fact that he's up to something. He's making it obvious by not bothering to do any reconnaissance. " Kiyotaka explained.

Suzune hummed. " It's almost like he's showing off. You know, I can't help but wonder where your powers of observation came from. But, since you've forbidden me from asking questions, I suppose I must always ask Karma-kun. "

Karma winced. " Yeah no. "

Suddenly Sudou appeared infront of Suzune, he looked a bit shy.

" Suzune. You have a minute? "

Suzune glared at the big male. " I've told you numerous times. Please do not call me by my first name. "

Sudou flinched. " Aw, what do you mean? Does it really bother you that much? Plus, Akabane also calls you like that. "

" He isn't wrong about that, Suzune. " Karma smiled.

Suzune, out of nowhere, raise her hand that is holding a compass which end shines from the sharp tip. " I don't want someone I'm not close to using my first name, if you continue to call me 'Suzune' after this warning; I'll have to take more direct action to make you stop. "

Karma beamed. " See, Suzu-chan is perfect! "

Suzune then glared at Karma, but because he technically didn't call her 'Suzune', she didn't take any actions against him, making Karma have the pride of victory.

" In that case, if I get the best results out of anyone in Class D during the festival, will you let me call you by your first name? " A spark suddenly appear in Sudou's eyes.

Suzune cross her arms. " Hard work is its own reward. Why should I agree to such an idiotic bet? "

Sudou nervously scratch the back of his head. " Well, it's just... Not too long ago, you saved me. That's why I want to do things properly, so we can... No, I think I'd like to be friends with you, first. This is the first step. "

Suzune told him that he can use her name which Sudou smiled in response, the only catch is that he can be best out of everyone in their grade.

Karma slightly sighed. ' I guess she and Ayano-kun do have something in common... They're both dense. '

Sudou grasp his fist, his body suddenly flowing with passionate fire. " All right! It's a deal, then. If I place first in our grade level, I'll call you by your first name. "

Suzune eyed at Sudou dead-eyed. " However, in the event that you don't get first place, I'll forever forbid you from saying my first name. Prepare yourself. "

" Y-Yes maam.. "

________________________

Class D starts practice to determine and improve everyone's skill levels in each event.

Sudō is markedly better than everyone else in every sport, and as a result, takes the lead in training his classmates for the upcoming competitions.

Karma laughed at the shocked expressions from the audience around him. " Well, he seems to be taking this rather seriously. "

Suzune watch Sudou standing out. " It's the first time that people have relied on him. Leadership might actually suit him, don't you think? As for me, though...well, I wouldn't mind praising him, but— "

" Look, I'm tellin' you that ain't it! " Sudou's yell made Suzune take her words back.

" Gah! Puh...yuck! Dude, c'mon. Stop! "

Suzune sighed. Yosuke was currently checking some girls' positions in the carriage formation. The three watch as Yosuke acts as a gentleman to the troubled girls who needs help. In result he recieved many thanks in return.

Kiyotaka turn to Suzune suggestively. " Why don't you help teach the girls, too? "

Suzune dejectedly shake her head. " I don't want to teach them. Besides, I don't think anyone wants me to teach them, either. I'm already trying my hardest to produce results for myself. How can you be so laid-back? I suppose, if you're sure you can win, that's fine. "

" Nope, I'm not confident. " Kiyotaka replied.

" That sounds about right. You always get average scores. You're neither fast nor slow. Your results don't stand out at all. I try hard to uncover my classmates' true abilities. I'll ask you this just once, but...are you holding back, like you did with your test scores? Same goes to you, Karma-kun. "

Kiyotaka sighed. " Would we do something so pointless? "

Karma felt a bit of euphoria, Kiyotaka add 'we' again, another score.

Suzune then turn to Karma. " The odds of that are about fifty-fifty to me. So, do you? "

" What you see is what you get. " Karma plainly said as he take a sip on his milk.

" So, you're neither good nor bad. That means I shouldn't expect great results, hmm? "

" Some events yeah? "

Karma can feel himself blowing a fuse if she stop shooting arrows at him and Kiyotaka.

" Then you should practice more, starting now. " Suzune's words sound like a command.

Kiyotaka looked more unmotivated. " If we could improve in such a short time span, this wouldn't be a problem. Unlike studying, trying to do this all at the last minute the night before is kind of pointless. "

" Wouldn't it be a good idea to focus on events where you can improve quickly, though? For example, just learning how to grip a rope or form a carriage will increase our chances of victory. " Suzune point out.

" Maybe. " Karma automatically said with no intention of listening any further. He's more focus on going to the major competition with a limit of patience.

" Hey. "

Both boys turn to her.

" Every class's physical abilities will determine who wins and who loses. Right? " Suzune ask.

Karma can't seem to know what Suzune is pointing out but he answered anyway. " This is a sports festival so obviously physical abilities are the key. "

" Yes. Still, that kind of thinking is limited. If I focus on my own performance, I'm confident that I can produce good results, but something's been troubling me for a while. I might not be able to reach Class A just by improving my own skills. " Suzune explained.

Karma snort. " Could it be that you'll win if you enjoy it? This is the long-awaited sports festival, after all. Forgetting that this is a test and having fun is an option. "

Suzune furrowed her eyebrows. " You also agreed to promise me that you'd cooperate with Ayanokouji, didn't you? You two said you'd help me reach Class A. "

Both boys bore their eyes unto hers.

" That's what we're doing, isn't it? "

" We'll participate in the festival. That's cooperating. "

Suzune glared at them.

" Are you two serious? "

Kiyotaka looked indiferrent. " You said so yourself, didn't you? Physical ability will determine victory or defeat. "

" But there are other aspects to the competition besides physical ability, too. " Suzune argued back.

Karma then punch his fist with an evil smile. " Okay. So, on the day of the festival, should we give the Class B and C students stomach aches and make them bow out? If we do that, we'll have a total victory. We'll win by an overwhelming margin. "

Suzune's brow twitch. " Stop joking. "

Karma frown. " Look. It sounds like you're saying that a high level of physical ability won't be enough. "

" So, you agree that something else is required? "

" You'll learn the answer to that soon enough. " Kiyotaka replied.

Suddenly, Somebody was walking toward them. "Horikita-san, you're up next for three-legged race practice."

" Okay. "

Suzune then left. She was partnering with Onodera. The five pairs of girls lined up in formation, and then launched into the race. They came in third.

The worst team was Sakura and Inogashira. Suzune and Onodera decided to practice the three-legged race again. That time went no better than the first.

" Those two are kind of slow, huh? " Sudou comment seeing the girls almost tumbled when one of them did the formation wrong or when their too late to act.

Karma can't decline, they were the worst so far, they didn't use communication to help the problem.

Onodera, Suzune's partner looked frustrated. " Hey, Horikita-san, can't you try to keep pace with me better? "

Karma deadpanned, although her full name is Onodera Kayano, she seems like a soloist from her built.

Suzune didn't help as she talk back. " It's certainly true that we aren't moving in sync, but that's not my fault. You're too slow. "

" What? " Onodera looked attacked.

" Shouldn't you strive to match the faster partner? Deliberately slowing my pace to suit yours makes no sense. "

Yosuke sweatdrop. " Okay. How about we give it a try, Ayanokouji-kun? "

" Roger. " Kiyotaka replied.

" We should too, Akabane. " Said Miyake Akito, another classmate from Class D and Karma's partner.

Karma smiled. " Roger. "

" To begin with, let's just focus on running. " Miyake suggest.

" Then we can try and fix whatever goes wrong. Okay? " Yosuke ask.

Both Kiyotaka and Karma nod at their partners and tied their legs together per Hirata's and Miyake's instructions.

" Okay then. " Yosuke instructed. " Let's take our first step. "

The three boys nodded, and waited for their partners to move their legs so they could match them.

It's a while until Kiyotaka began to shift. " This is really uncomfortable. "

Miyake nod in agreement. " It is, isn't it? But, as you run, try matching your breathing to our movements. "

" Okay? Let's start running. "

As soon Yosuke said that, Miyake picked up their pace slightly with him as Kiyotaka and Karma copied.

Miyake let out a thumbs up at Karma. " Yeah, that's it. "

Yosuke smiled at Kiyotaka. " That's it! You've got it! "

Both pairs ran a small lap, came back, and untied the cord. The movements between the four boys became natural like normal running as they move anytime without any problems.

The girls immediately squealed.

" So fast! Just like we'd expect from you, Hirata-kun! "

Yosuke laugh in response. " It's really, really easy with Ayanokouji-kun as my partner. Let's all practice and do our best during the festival, okay? "

He'd just finished his own practice, and now he was heading off to give other students advice again.

Miyake undo the tie for him and Karma. " It was a good run, Akabane."

Karma felt warm as he was pondering whenever his pace is too fast for Miyake. He smiled. " Yeah. "

" See you later. "

With that, Miyake left.

_____________________

Two weeks later, in mid-September, Class D continued their daily practice sessions.

Sudō makes a good coach as he helps his classmates improve. Yosuke holds regular meetings with Katsuragi to discuss how to best approach each event.

But Suzune is still having problems with the three-legged race.

" I think it'd do you some good to compromise a little more. " Kiyotaka suggest to Suzune who looked about to decline.

" Many people have told me that. I won't compromise, because I'm trying to get the best time. Isn't that a good thing? "

Karma slumped. " So you don't plan on yielding? "

Suzune look away. " That's right. I don't intend to accommodate someone else's slowness. "

" Then no one will want to practice with you. "

" If I'm expected to yield, my partner must put in the effort first. I can't work with someone who refuses to even try to improve. "

The two boys looked unimpressed. Karma sighed as he turn to Suzune.

" Stick your foot out. " Karma ordered.

Suzune looked confused. " Excuse me? "

Kiyotaka walk towards her. " Partner with me for the three-legged race. "

" Why should I? "

" Although I'm jealous your partnered with Ayano-kun, there's a mixed-gender three-legged race. And he may have the power to keep up with you. " Karma reasoned.

Suzune is still unconvinced. " You'll only drag me down. "

" According to your theory, my speed isn't the issue, only my effort. " Kiyotaka said.

" Fine. I'll tie us together. " Suzune crouched and tied the cord around their legs, as if telling him not to touch her.

As soon as she's done, Karma smacked Kiyotaka's back. " Well then, let's go! "

" That hurts. "

At the beginning of the race, Kiyotaka mirrored Suzune. However, he soon started going at his own pace.

" H-hey! "

Despite Suzune's panic, he mercilessly went faster. She did everything she could to keep up with him, but her stamina and strength couldn't match his.

Karma laughed at the background.

Kiyotaka turn to his partner. " You said that keeping up with your partner isn't difficult, right? "

Suzune panted. " That's... I know! "

Kiyotaka decided to shift gears.

" Tch! "

Karma, who was going after them just in case, grabbed her as she stumbled. She breathed raggedly.

" This wasn't about fast or slow. Your practices went wrong because you didn't look at your partner. " Kiyotaka explained.

Karma then help balance Suzune. " The important thing is to work with your partner. How about letting them take the lead? "

" I... " Suzune wipe her face.

" Think about it. " Kiyotaka waited. ' Kushida Kikyou is the second problem. She is something of a supporting character—working backstage, but never taking the spotlight. '

Karma knew what Kiyotaka is thinking as he stared at the same girl.

' However, we know about the darkness within her. It was a fact that Kushida hated Horikita. But both Horikita and Kushida are vital to Class D's improvement. '

' Therefore, the only way to resolve the issue is to have them confront one another. ' Both boys nod at the plan.

All classes continue doing reconnaissance on each other, although it is the participation tables that hold the most vital information, so each class is careful not to leak the contents of those tables.

" Please accompany us for a bit after this. " Kiyotaka ask.

Suzune arch a brow. " If I said no. "

Karma shrug his shoulders. " Then who will take the fault if Class D failed. "

Suzune groan but complied. " Fine, what do you want? "

Kiyotaka then drag Suzune towards their direction. Karma jog forward as he cup his fists.

" Kikyo-chan~, do you have a moment? "

Kikyo flinch but turn around. " Hmm? What's wrong, Ayanokoji-kun, Akabane-kun? "

Even though she tried to hide, she was sweating a little, making Karma smirk, but to others it was a smile. Kikyo also turned to look for a moment at Suzune.

" Do you have anything planned for tomorrow? " Kiyotaka ask Kikyo.

Kikyo shake her head. " No, not that I remember anything else to do other than cleaning my room. "

Karma then place both hands into a prayer. " If you're fine with it, can we borrow some of your time for the morning only? "

Kikyo suddenly felt wary but she regain her smile. " Sure thing. But how unusual for Ayanokouji-kun and Akabane-kun to invite me out. "

Kiyotaka nod then turn to Suzune. " By the way, Horikita will also be coming along. "

Suzune looked attacked. " Hey- "

Karma quickly clamped her mouth shut from hearing her complaints.

Kikyo sweatdrop. " Sure, I don't mind that at all......but what do you mean by the morning only? "

" Including Kushida wanting to once again conduct reconnaissance on the enemy is what we thought.. We were invited to do so by Horikita but there are many things I don't know. "

Kikyo smiled. " I might be the most suitable one for that. Yeah, roger. What time would be good? The earlier it is, the better, right? "

Karma then remove his hand from Suzune's mouth since she has no chance to retaliate anymore. " That's right. If possible, something like around 10 o'clock? Is that fine? "

" Completely fine. Then tomorrow we'll meet up in the dorm's lobby? " Kikyo had promised to go back with her friends as she left.

Suzune looked pissed off. " What are you on about? "

" Of course, because we never told you about it. But reconnaissance isn't such a bad thing, right? " Kiyotaka suggest.

Suzune cross her arms. " If it's reconnaissance, then you two and Kushida-san should have been more than enough? "

Karma blinked. " ...Are you seriously saying that? "

Suzune glared. " What? I wouldn't say something like that as a joke. "

" We're standing out too much here. Let's talk on our way back. " Kiyotaka state as he held Karma's shoulder. " Also, we've figured out Ryuuen's strategy. "

Suzune then looked suprised. " Already? "

Karma smirked. " Not just us it seems. There is one other person greatly involved in the outcome of that exam. "

Kiyotaka grip Karma's hand as Suzune followed the two boys.

__________________________

The three students then reached the main entrance and retrieved their shoes from the shoe rack. Then they went outdoors and resumed conversation.

" You and Hirata never revealed to anyone the fact that Kushida is the 'target', right? " Kiyotaka ask Suzune.

" Naturally. "

Karma tilt his head. " But what about Kushida herself? If she intentionally revealed herself? "

Suzune ignored Karma didn't call Kikyo 'Kikyo-chan' as she looked taken back. " Impossible, right? Something like that... there are no benefits in it for Kushida-san. "

" You can't say with certainty that there are no benefits, right? For instance, how about something like making a backroom deal to reveal that she's the 'target', in exchange for private points from another class. Something like that. " Kiyotaka explain.

Suzune looked hesitant. " Even if that's true......it's an act that disadvantages Class D. In the first place, if someone turns traitor then it's all over, it's a gamble far too dangerous. "

" There are many ways to build trust. " Karma stated.

" Are you saying she'd betray her allies to gain points temporarily? "

Kiyotaka shrug. " That may be so and that may not be so. The reason is something only Kushida knows. "

" So you brought me and Kushida-san together...to ascertain the truth? " Suzune confirmed.