On the rubber track.
With the arrival of the Sports Festival.
Even after school, the figures of many students training could still be seen; Hikigaya also followed Himeno Yuki and others in a jog.
Ichinose was discussing cooperation details with Class A.
This Sports Festival.
Undoubtedly tests individual ability more; only aces like Shibata can play a greater role.
What others can do.
Is only to improve their physical fitness as much as possible and strive for rankings in the first five events to gain points for the class.
As for whether to participate in the final five events.
That requires weighing the options.
Starting from the sixth event, every participation requires paying one point, which is certainly a risky matter.
People with insufficient individual strength need to consider carefully.
Watching Sakura Airi, whose small face was flushed and breathing was rapid yet still followed closely, Hikigaya couldn't help but stop his pace and say helplessly:
"Airi, don't force yourself. If you're tired, you can take a little rest."
"Yeah, Airi-chan, take a little break."
Himeno Yuki and others nearby also offered comfort.
Seeing Sakura Airi desperately trying to keep up with everyone, they truly felt a bit pained.
Hearing everyone's words of comfort.
Sakura Airi's small face turned deep red; she clutched her chest and squatted on the ground, her mouth parched with exhaustion.
After a long while.
She swallowed and managed to squeeze out some words.
"It's okay, I... I've already decided, I will definitely work hard."
"Even so, you should take it step by step."
Hikigaya was somewhat helpless.
Clearly, Sakura Airi wasn't just saying it casually; she had truly made up her mind to change.
Since it was Sakura Airi's own decision, Hikigaya naturally said nothing more.
Unfortunately.
Anyone with eyes could see.
Sakura Airi was not good at sports; at most, she was at a level of running about four hundred meters.
"That's right."
Shirami Chihiro also comforted her while breathing heavily: "Airi-chan, I'm not good at sports either. Just take it slowly, there's no need to be so anxious."
"Ha... ha..."
Sakura Airi's breathing was still unstable.
But seeing so many people worrying about her, she felt a bit moved in her heart.
"I understand..."
"Then Airi will be in your hands. I have some business, so I'll leave first."
Hikigaya nodded.
After a few simple words, he turned and left.
If everyone considered each other, there seemed to be no need to worry about anything.
Ashamedly.
Except for class leaders like Horikita Suzune, Ryuuen Kakeru, and Katsuragi.
Hikigaya knew very little about people in other classes, almost nothing.
As a leader.
This was clearly not acceptable.
Although the OAA can roughly judge others' strengths, there are many things the OAA cannot show.
The best way.
Is naturally to contact them personally to have one's own judgment.
Unfortunately.
With so many people in the whole school.
It was impossible for Hikigaya to contact every single person personally; there obviously wasn't enough time. Secondly, he had to use others' judgments.
Ideally, through the perspectives of different people, one could get the judgment closest to the truth.
The ideal candidates were naturally Kanzaki, Shibata, and Ichinose.
Needless to say for Ichinose and Kanzaki.
Ichinose has the widest interpersonal network, Kanzaki's judgment should be more rational, and Shibata, with his outstanding strength, can provide the most accurate judgment.
Soon.
Hikigaya settled things with Kanzaki via mobile phone, agreeing to investigate enemy conditions in other classes in a few days. Naturally, there was no need to worry about Ichinose.
The only one who was a bit of a headache was Shibata.
Although Shibata didn't show anything.
Hikigaya felt.
No matter how much Shibata loathed or spat on him, it wouldn't be surprising.
Though he hadn't done anything to wrong Shibata, and whatever Ichinose and the others chose was their freedom.
But Hikigaya just always felt he owed Shibata something.
At this point.
He must be quite a disappointment to Shibata.
Soon.
Hikigaya arrived at the football club.
Even from afar, one could see Shibata's figure sweating on the field.
Even without knowing the rules of football very well.
One could see that Shibata's attainments in football were high, easily shaking off Hirata and others.
Until the club time ended.
Hikigaya remained sitting honestly on the bench nearby, waiting.
He remembered last time.
Upon seeing him appear, Shibata would put down club matters and actively walk over to ask if anything was wrong. This time, he waited until club time ended.
As expected.
Even if Shibata is a good person.
The relationship will more or less develop some gaps.
It wasn't exactly wrong, he just hoped it wouldn't affect the class.
If he were to apologize to Shibata.
Hikigaya also felt it wasn't quite right; after all, neither of them had done anything wrong.
Soon.
Shibata, with a football tucked under his arm.
Walked up to Hikigaya, a bright smile still on his face.
"Hikigaya, are you looking for me for something?"
"I suppose so."
After a moment of hesitation, Hikigaya still weighed his words: "I've made an appointment with Honami and Kanzaki to scout enemy territory in the next few days. Do you have time?"
With Ichinose present.
Presumably, Shibata might feel a bit uncomfortable.
At least it had been a long time since Shibata and Ichinose were seen interacting; he was mostly with Kanzaki.
However.
Shibata is the strongest individual in Class B; his judgment is indispensable to the class.
Therefore.
Hikigaya placed the initiative in Shibata's hands.
He could refuse.
Giving Shibata time to prepare himself mentally.
However.
He still underestimated Shibata.
"No problem."
Shibata nodded and laughed: "Anytime is fine. Just call me when you guys are going."
"Is that so..."
Hikigaya nodded.
The matter ended there, but his gaze couldn't help but look at the football in Shibata's hands.
Speaking of which.
When exactly did it start?
Whether in class or on the playground, it seemed one could often see the scene of Shibata holding a football.
This was Shibata's private matter.
It certainly had nothing to do with Hikigaya, but for some reason, Hikigaya was a bit concerned.
"Can I ask a question? Of course, you don't have to answer."
"Sure."
"Why are you always holding a football?"
Hikigaya asked in a deep voice.
At least, Shibata definitely wasn't like this before.
"This?"
Saying so.
Shibata let go of the football in his hand, and the tip of his right foot lightly lifted.
The football returned to his hand once more.
Shibata cupped the football with both hands, a smile uncontrollably appearing at the corners of his mouth.
"Because I've discovered it now."
"Football, is a friend!"
"Although the movement of a sphere is irregular and it's hard to judge its trajectory, actually, as long as you train with heart, football is actually very easy to understand."
"See."
Saying so.
Shibata put the football down again.
No matter how he moved, that football seemed like an extension of his body, controlled with ease.
"Oh... oh..."
Hikigaya nodded, not knowing what to say.
Clearly.
Shibata was expressing that he couldn't understand class matters, so football was easier to understand.
"Keep it up..."
Hikigaya managed to squeeze out a sentence.
He felt that in the next second, even if Shibata kicked a "Super Ball" shot, it wouldn't be strange.
"So."
Shibata caught the football steadily in his hands, his right hand thumping Hikigaya's chest as he laughed:
"Don't force yourself like this. I know very clearly what I want now. I believe you will definitely lead everyone to ascend to Class A."
"Oh..."
"If there's nothing else, I'll head off first."
"See you tomorrow."
Watching Shibata's retreating figure, Hikigaya breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Unfortunately.
Shibata and the others still didn't understand.
It wasn't that Hikigaya's individual strength was so great, but that Shibata, Tsuebe Hitomi, and others were willing to cooperate.
Class B can be so perfect.
He couldn't help but be grateful for the joint efforts of all of them.
"Truly amazing..."
Hikigaya sighed with emotion.
Even without Sakayanagi.
This class is more worthy of ascending to Class A than any other class!
With such kind-hearted people.
There is no reason for this class not to rise to Class A.