“What are you doing on your own...?”
“Because they said they were short on people. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem for Akito.”
“It’s a problem for my feelings, though.”
“Please, Aki-emon~!”
“Don’t cling to me, it’s annoying!”
Also, it makes me stand out in a weird way again!
I pushed Kurashiki Ryūya aside and let out a soft sigh. Well, what’s decided is decided. If I say I won’t do it now, Yakushiji-senpai will be scary later.
“Fine, fine, I get it.”
“As expected of Akito! Come on, let’s go!”
This guy is as pushy as ever.
Pushed by Ryūya, I headed toward the gathering area. On the way, I spotted Jūmonji Neika and Tsuchimikado Hiyori, who had finished their footraces.
“Hey! Sana-tan!”
“Yeah! We both got first place!”
“Oh. Good job, you two.”
The two of them held up their index fingers with wide smiles. Even though we were on different teams, I felt happy when my classmates took first place.
“Nyufu-fu. Hiyori and the others might just win like this. Aki-tan, you’re going down!”
“We’re strong, you know. Ryūya, you better be prepared too.”
Mu. Hearing that, I couldn't help but feel motivated.
“Keep talking. We’re going to win.”
“Hey, hey! Master Sanada Akito Goku-Dainagon is showing some motivation, so we’re definitely winning!”
Please stop with that stupid-sounding title.
I parted ways with the two and headed to the gathering area. The people around me were, of course, mostly from sports clubs. Especially the second and third-year judo and weightlifting club members—they were seriously huge. Or rather, rugged. I train myself, but compared to these rock-solid people, I’m made to realize how thin I am.
In terms of order, the heavyweights and tall people were at the back. The lighter people were gathered toward the center. I was on the lighter side even within the Blue team, so I was placed at the very front.
“Akitoー!”
“Hmm? Ah, Riran?”
In the front row of the Red team’s cheering section, Kuonji Riran was waving her hand vigorously at me. Beside her were Neika, Hiyori, and Rio.
“Akki, Ryūya, fight!”
“Sana-tan, do your best!”
“I’ll cheer for you as a classmate.”
Those guys, even though they’re on the other team...
But when cute girls cheer for me, I get motivated. I have a simple personality, if I do say so myself. I gripped the rope and prepared. The Sports Festival Executive Committee member stood in the center and raised the starter pistol.
“Ready...”
*Bang!!*
I pulled the rope at the same time as the start. The opposing White team also had some sturdy guys, so it was a close contest with a lot of back-and-forth pulling.
However, little by little, we were being pulled in. This is bad...!
“Akito, if you win, we’re having karaage!”
Seriously!?
“Alright! Blue team, let’s pull together with all our might!! Goooooooo!!”
““““““Oooooooooooooohhhhhh!!!!!!!””””””
“One, two!!”
At my shout, everyone on the Blue team pulled the rope in unison. The Blue team teammates in the cheering section also joined their voices, their cheers echoing through the blue sky.
And then.
*Bang bang bang!!*
“Winner, Blue team!!”
The match between the Blue team and the White team ended in a victory for the Blue team.
“Not bad, Sanada!”
“Thanks to your voice, it was easy to coordinate our strength!”
“Looking forward to the next one, Sanada!”
“Ah... yes.”
I was approached by seniors I didn't know at all. It's probably because of that wedding advertisement. I didn't think I was known by everyone this much.
After that, the teams switched; Red won against White, and Blue won against Red. In the tug-of-war, Blue ended with two wins, Red with one win and one loss, and White with two losses.
I was tired, but winning by working together with everyone like this isn't bad.
“Hey, hey, Akito, everyone’s praising you!”
“I just shouted and tried to get everyone to pull together. It wasn't my power alone.”
“Whew, so cool!”
*Smack.*
“Don’t tease me. I’ll punch you.”
“Don’t say that after you already hit me!?”
I returned to my seat with Ryūya, whose tension was unusually high, perhaps because his excitement hadn't cooled down yet. There, Yakushiji-senpai was waiting with her arms crossed.
“Not bad, Sanada-kun. Splendid.”
“Thanks.”
“Eh— Prez. I worked hard too, you know?”
“Umu. For today only, I shall praise you as well. Well done.”
“Way to go! I got praised by the Prez!”
Just how much do you usually get scolded, man?
“Well, it’s almost time for the event I’m participating in.”
“Yakushiji-senpai. What are you entering?”
“The obstacle race. I’m counting on your support.”
The obstacle race... Ah, that’s the one Riran is in too. I have to cheer for them.
“Prez, you’re in the obstacle race, huh.”
“Yeah. We’re teammates. You better cheer too, okay?”
“I know that. But...”
Ryūya stared intently at Yakushiji-senpai. Hey, you, don't tell me...
“? What is it?”
“No. I was just thinking you have a body that doesn't look like it would get caught on any obstacles—”
“Hmph!”
“Hoge!?”
A fist landed a clean hit on his solar plexus. Ryūya, that was your fault just now.
“Honestly, this is why men with no delicacy are...”
“Ha, haha... Well, Yakushiji-senpai. Good luck.”
“Umu. I’m off.”
Yakushiji-senpai gave a thumbs-up and headed toward the gathering area.
“Heh... A punch from a beautiful woman is a reward in our industry.”
“You’re tough in a way, aren’t you?”