Inside the multimedia classroom, time jumped back a few minutes.
[Judo!]
Ichinose looked at the sixth project on the screen and suddenly felt the world go black and a sense of dizziness.
This was Class B's least favorite project.
When they learned this was Class C's 1v1 core project, Class B unanimously agreed they could give it up.
After all, no one in Class B was a match for Albert.
However, now, if she gave up, and then lost the next one... they might even end up in a position where they had to compete with Class D. Ichinose didn't even dare think about it.
Most importantly, as the class leader, Ichinose could feel the gap between herself and the other leaders.
Growth this year had been slow.
If she lost three matches straight, it wouldn't just be no growth; it would be a regression.
For a moment, Ichinose's mind was in chaos, unsure whether to give up as planned or seek that tiny sliver of hope that might not even exist.
"Heh... hehe."
Sitting diagonally across, Ryuen chuckled: "Judo, huh? Choosing this item specifically, how lucky, Ichinose!"
"How can this be..."
Ichinose finally snapped back to reality, involuntarily revealing her fragile side.
"Even if the rest are Class B projects, you still have hope for victory."
Ryuen "comforted" her sarcastically, continuing to deliver a fatal blow.
"Even if the opponent is Albert, don't take it to heart. Winning or losing depends on current luck; you won't know unless you try."
Ryuen chose Albert without hesitation.
Originally, before a project began, both sides were unable to know each other's participants; in addition to fairness, this tested the commander's coordination skills.
However, Ryuen showed his hand directly, wanting to make Ichinose even more desperate.
At those words, Ichinose's eyes dimmed.
There were only thirty seconds to choose a student.
Her gaze blankly swept over each person's icon.
Shibata Sou.
Class B's number one ace.
While he couldn't compare to the powerhouse players of other classes, he was still Class B's ace.
However, in sports, the possibility of Shibata defeating Albert was high.
But judo... the difference in their physiques was simply too vast. Albert could probably stand still and let him strike, and Shibata still wouldn't win.
Ichinose looked at the others again.
Finally, she stopped at Hikigaya. He was even weaker than Shibata; he probably couldn't even beat Ishizaki and the others.
But for some reason, Ichinose felt that if it were him, he could definitely win.
Even during the expulsion vote exam, he was able to think of a way.
Hikigaya Hachiman was like a hero, saving her and the things she cherished most time and time again.
In her heart, Hikigaya had already become an omnipotent existence.
If it were him, he could surely do it!
After a moment of hesitation, Ichinose dragged Hikigaya into the participant list.
Please! My hero!
"What's going on...?"
A short while later, Hikigaya's somewhat flustered, non-confident voice came through.
Ichinose couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.
She said apologetically: "That, I'm sorry. I accidentally clicked the wrong thing. Hiki, just forfeit."
Giving up was nothing; anyone could see Hikigaya couldn't possibly beat Albert.
Ichinose herself didn't know what she was expecting.
"Hiki? Hikigaya? Ichinose, you really are naive."
Ryuen couldn't help but let out a sneer.
If Hikigaya were the one serving as commander, Ryuen might not have been able to make him waver.
After all, that guy looked timid on the surface but was incredibly strong on the inside.
However, as for fighting... kill him!
"Albert," Ryuen Sho said mockingly into the microphone, "this exam is vital for Class C. Do not show any mercy."
"Yeah."
A muffled voice came through the headset.
Although Albert preferred peace, for the sake of the class, he could strike without hesitation.
The two watched the screen. The atmosphere in the classroom became somewhat heavy.
Mashima-sensei and Chabashira-sensei stood behind the two, looking at Ichinose with sympathy.
Ryuen , who had no protection points, suddenly becoming the commander must have caused extreme chaos in Ichinose's mind, leading her to be suppressed by Ryuen throughout the exam.
As the minutes and seconds ticked by, neither figure appeared on the field.
Ryuen frowned, finally sensing that something was wrong.
Just then.
"I see."
Mashima-sensei covered his phone, looked at the two, and spoke:
"Hikigaya Hachiman of Class B and Albert of Class C were involved in a violent incident outside. Both have been disqualified from the exam. You two must choose new participants."
"Huh?"
Ryuen was slightly taken aback.
Soon, he figured out what had happened. Albert generally didn't cause trouble and didn't even like fighting.
In many situations, Ryuen found it inconvenient to bring him along.
This was clearly Hikigaya's doing.
Thinking of this, Ryuen suddenly couldn't sit still. He stood up, his voice turning cold:
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"You should know that Albert is our class's main force for the judo project. This was obviously Class B intentionally causing a violent incident to get him disqualified along with them."
"If this kind of method works, then I don't think we even need to have this exam!"
Exactly.
Disqualification for violent incidents was fine.
But any random loser could drag their main force down with them.
This was far too unfair!
"...You might be misunderstanding."
Mashima-sensei maintained a businesslike attitude, his voice steady:
"Hikigaya is also Class B's main student for the Japanese test. If the next round is the Japanese test, he will also be unable to participate."
"..."
Ryuen clenched his fists, nearly exploding with anger.
Is that the same?
They were in the middle of a judo match right now!
But he couldn't say such things out loud.
Class B still had two projects left, and the match projects were random. No one could guarantee if the next project would be one of Class B's.
Hikigaya was indeed a main force for Japanese.
However, Class C was just a group of academic losers hovering around the passing line.
Facing such opponents, Class B didn't lack a Japanese main force like Hikigaya.
But Class C only had one Albert.
"Furthermore," Chabashira Sae said expressionlessly, "this matter was a judgment made by the Student Council President. Start choosing people. If you time out, it will be considered a draw."
The implication was: arguing with us is useless.
They were only responsible for proctoring and relaying information.
"Alright."
Hearing this, a bright smile blossomed on Ichinose's lips. Feeling wonderful inside, she selected Shibata without hesitation.
As expected, Hikigaya was her hero!
No matter when, Hikigaya would step forward to save her.
It would be even better if Hikigaya were willing to be Class B's leader; Ichinose actually wanted to support him from behind.
Unfortunately, Hikigaya's refusal was so decisive; he seemed to truly despise it.
And on the opposite side, looking at the remaining group of little idiots on the screen, Ryuen's face turned green with rage.
Class B indeed didn't have any top-tier talent, but Class C was actually about the same.
Aside from Albert, there was really no one else!
At most, he could count himself, Ryuen, since fighting wasn't just about combat power but also a battle of spirits.
Unfortunately, sitting in the commander's seat, Ryuen couldn't participate in the match.
That guy from Class B named Shibata was indeed a rookie, but at least he was Class B's top ace.
Since I can't hit Albert, can't I hit you guys?