I let out a small sigh and waited for a while. Soon, the announcement calling for the students participating in the cavalry battle could be heard.
As I moved to the standby area with everyone, Ryūya cracked his knuckles.
“Alright! Let’s do this with spirit!”
“Score-wise, I’d like to win here,” I said.
“I’ll do my best too!”
The three people acting as the horse were fired up. Since I’m the rider who actually takes the hachimaki, I can’t exactly act indifferent while everyone else is so motivated.
“Alright. Let’s do it.”
“Oh, Akito is full of spirit too! Let’s show our lovely wives a good side of us together!”
Ryūya looked toward the Red Team. Riran, who was in the cheering section, was looking at me with wide eyes. Well, it was decided quite abruptly that I’d be participating. No wonder she’s surprised.
I gave her a thumbs-up with a wry smile. Riran seemed to understand the situation somehow and waved back at me.
“I just have to make sure I don't get injured.”
“Akito-paisen, I seriously respect how you go out of your way to set off flags!”
“If that happens, I’m taking you down with me.”
“HAHAHA! You’re joking, right?!”
“............”
“Um, Akito-san. It’s actually scary when you just point a full-faced smile at me in silence.”
“............”
“...I’m sorry. I’ll take it seriously.”
“Good.”
In all seriousness, getting injured during the cavalry battle would be no laughing matter. It would make Riran sad and worry everyone. It’s best if nothing happens.
“Here, Akito. Take this.”
“...What’s this?”
“A long ran. Apparently, it’s tradition for the general to wear this.”
He wants me to wear this when it’s this damn hot? Don’t blame me if I really collapse from heatstroke.
Well, if I’m told to wear it, I’ll wear it. Besides, long school coats are kind of cool.
I put on the long ran for the first time in my life. On the back, the words ‘Blue Team General’ were embroidered in blue, and the hem of the coat featured wave embroidery. For the record, the Red Team had flame embroidery, and the White Team had a white long ran. This is actually pretty cool. It looks like something out of a yankee manga.
“Oh, it’s a perfect fit!”
“Yeah. It doesn't restrict my movement, so this should work.”
I moved my shoulders to check the range of motion. This shouldn't hinder Ryūya’s strategy. However, it’s incredibly hot. Even if it’s mid-September, this isn't something you should wear in summer.
“Nyaaaa! Sana-tan is so cool!”
“Akki, give us a look over here!”
“Clothes really do make the man. I’m sending this to Riza-san, so look this way.”
Those girls are clearly enjoying this. You’re on different teams, so you should at least cheer for the Red Team a little.
“Wait, huh? Where’s Riran...?”
“Right here.”
“Hmm? Whoa!?”
D-Don’t just suddenly appear from behind me!
“W-What’s wrong, Riran?”
“...A photo.”
“Eh?”
“...I want to take a photo together.”
Riran looked embarrassed, holding her smartphone with its dog-themed case. ...Did she come all the way here just for that? Isn’t my wife just too cute?
“O-Oh. I get it. Ryūya, I’m counting on you.”
“Yeah, yeah. What’s with you two, you’re so lovey-dovey.”
“Shut up.”
Riran handed her phone to Ryūya, then quietly lined up next to me and locked her arm with mine.
“Wait, this is embarrassing.”
“W-What, it’s fine, isn’t it?”
“...Do what you want.”
“Yeah. I’ll do as I like.”
Good grief. My body feels hot. This isn't just because of the temperature, damn it. Ryūya took several photos while grinning. In fact, everyone around us was grinning too. Don’t look, you guys.
“Here you go, Kuonji. It came out perfectly.”
“Thank you, Kurashiki. ...Hehe. I did it ♪”
Ah, man. Don’t make such a happy face. I can’t even stay mad at you. Being head over heels for someone really is a weakness. When I’m shown a smile like that, I can’t do anything.
“Hmm. Is Kuonji-san satisfied now?”
“Yes, I’m so happy now...”
“I see. Then we’re going back, you dummy.”
*Lift.*
Before I knew it, Yakushiji-senpai was nearby; she grabbed Riran by the scruff of her neck and lifted her with one hand. Wait, just how strong are you to lift Riran with one hand?
“Y-Y-Yakushiji-senpai?! Why are you here...!”
“I only came to drag you back because you two started flirting without any regard for being in public. Come on, we’re leaving.”
“Au. A-Akito, see you later...!”
Riran was carried away by Yakushiji-senpai like a kitten being carried by its mother. Just carrying her off like that... Yakushiji-senpai is too much.
“According to one theory, that Empress is half-gorilla, half-human.”
“Kurashiki, you brat, that’s thirty pages of reflection statements in the student council room later.”
“Hieee!”
Is he an idiot? Just then, an announcement came in for each team to move to the starting line.
Each team would form twenty horses and engage in a free-for-all to take each other’s hachimaki. It seems the score is determined by the last horse standing and the number of hachimaki captured. The longer you stay in, the more points you get, but if the general’s horse is defeated, there’s a major point deduction. So, my survival is the top priority.
“Alright everyone, let's do this.”
“You bet!”
“Leave the base to us.”
“Sanada-kun, we're counting on you for the top.”
The three of them formed the horse, and I climbed on top. When we stood up at Ryūya’s signal... Whoa, it’s high! Even compared to the other horses, we’re about two heads taller!
Cheers rose from the surroundings as they saw our horse, but at the same time, voices shouting “That’s cheating!” and “It’s too big!” could be heard. I know, I know that feeling. I’d think the same if I were in their position.
『Well then, we will now begin the cavalry battle! Ready...』
*Bang!!*
The starting signal sounded, and the horses of the three teams began moving all at once. The three-way cavalry battle had begun.