“It’s a little early, but I’d like to start drafting the lineup for the sports festival.”

After school, the classroom was quiet.

Standing at the podium, Isshiki Shizuku spoke clearly.

Beside her stood Sakura Sanae, the PE committee member, and one of Houjou Noa’s followers.

(So in the end, Isshiki and Houjou ended up taking control.)

Minaki Suzu glanced around the classroom.

Those from influential families stayed quiet, seemingly content to follow along.

Even Kaminari Nene, who had earned Toudou Mizuki’s favor, didn’t seem interested in challenging their leadership.

It was easy to tell that Isshiki and Houjou’s positions were becoming firmly established.

“This week, the boys begin their social service, and the girls start their Seikadan activities. Since training for the festival has to fit between those, it’s best to decide early.”

The Seikadan, a local community organization that “voluntarily” operated after school.

Its activities ranged from military preparatory training to debate meetings and poetry recitations, blending cultural education with political indoctrination.

Active participation in the Seikadan could even earn eligibility for the National Party membership, so many girls prioritized it over academics.

While certain exceptions—like sports scholarship students—were exempt, most first-year girls were expected to join starting today.

“Each student must participate in at least one event. You may take part in multiple events if there are openings.”

Sakura Sanae began writing the events on the blackboard.

“Let’s start with the highest-scoring ones. First up—relay race. Anyone confident enough to volunteer?”

Houjou Noa smiled with her usual calm composure and slowly raised her hand.

Next to her, Isshiki Shizuku—still standing at the podium—did the same.

“No one else?”

Sakura scanned the room.

No other hands went up.

After a brief hesitation, Minaki Suzu raised hers.

“Minaki-san. Are you confident in your speed?”

“Put me down for now. If someone faster shows up during practice, they can take my spot.”

“…Understood. One more volunteer?”

“I recommend Kaminari.”

Every head turned toward Kaminari Nene.

Startled, she blinked but didn’t shrink back like usual.

“I-I’ll do my best.”

“Then for now, Isshiki-san, Houjou-sama, Minaki-san, and Kaminari-san will form the relay team.”

(Not bad, Suzu thought.)

It was a good lineup—one that let her stand out.

“Next—hand-to-hand combat. Also a high-value event.”

“I’ll take that one.”

Suzu immediately raised her hand.

Isshiki and Houjou both gave her curious looks.

“…You don’t look the type.”

“If you’ve got doubts, I can show you.”

“I see. I’d be interested to find out—but if you’re confident, I’ll trust you.”

Houjou shrugged lightly. Suzu snorted in response.

Sakura cleared her throat, trying to keep order.

“Next, mock shooting. Any volun-”

“I’ll do it.”

Suzu raised her hand again before anyone else.

Isshiki’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if gauging her.

“Excuse me, but do you have any experience handling firearms?”

“Yeah. If you doubt me, we can test it right now.”

The classroom fell silent.

(This is it.)

Suzu slowly swept her gaze across the room.

She caught a few annoyed stares, but no one spoke up.

“So? Anyone got a problem with that?”

Meeting her eyes, the others quickly looked away.

Only Isshiki and Houjou continued to watch her, eyes sharp and appraising.

(I’ll make it clear I’m not like the rest of these dropouts.)

Minaki Suzu had no doubt that she was overqualified for Class K.

If she wanted Toudou Mizuki to remember her, she had to rack up as many event points as possible.

“…Then Minaki-san will tentatively fill the mock shooting slot. Next, obstacle relay—four members needed.”

“If it’s four, we can use the same members as the main relay, right?”

“Yes, Houjou-sama. That’s often the case. Any objections?”

No one objected.

Suzu’s name was added to another list.

“From here, the point values drop. If anyone hasn’t signed up yet, please raise your hand.”

Events like the 100m, 200m, hurdles, and tug-of-war were filled next, mostly by quieter students.

“Is there anyone who hasn’t been assigned yet?”

No one raised their hands.

Sakura prepared to close the session.

“Then with this draft-”

“Otonashi-san hasn’t been assigned yet.”

Mizuki’s calm voice interrupted her.

Suzu blinked, unfamiliar with the name, and quickly looked around.

(…That girl?)

By the window sat a lone girl, staring down at her desk.

Come to think of it, Suzu couldn’t recall ever hearing her speak.

Even during introductions, she had only murmured her name.

“Otonashi-san, do you have a preferred event?”

Sakura’s tone was polite but impersonal.

Otonashi Nagi didn’t answer.

“Otonashi-san?”

This time, Sakura’s voice carried a hint of irritation.

“…I’d like to do the 100-meter dash.”

Finally, Nagi spoke, her voice soft and raspy.

Even then, she didn’t lift her head—her eyes stayed fixed on the blank surface of her desk.

“By the way, I haven’t picked one yet,” Mizuki said suddenly, brightening the mood. “Should I be in the three-legged race?”

“Yes, most male students traditionally participate in that event. Would you like to choose a partner?”

Suzu instinctively glanced at Nene.

Given Mizuki’s current relationships, she was the obvious choice—but their height difference made that pairing impractical.

“Hmm… can I decide later?”

“Of course. There’s still time before the festival. We’ll leave it to you, Mizuki-sama.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Tension rippled through the classroom as everyone quietly watched each other.

Only Otonashi Nagi kept her eyes on her desk.

“For now, that concludes the draft lineup. We’ll finalize it later if there are any changes.”

Students began packing up to leave—boys for social service, girls for Seikadan activity.

As Suzu slung her school bag over her shoulder, she noticed Mizuki approach Nagi’s desk.

“Otonashi-san, are you bad at sports?”

He crouched slightly to meet her eye level, but Nagi didn’t react.

Several classmates frowned at her silence.

“Otonashi-san, it’s rude to ignore Mizuki-sama,” one girl said sharply.

“It’s fine,” Mizuki said quickly. “Maybe she just doesn’t like talking in front of a crowd. Sorry for holding you up.”

He laughed softly.

At that, Nagi stood, bowed faintly, and hurried out of the classroom.

The other girls exchanged uneasy glances.

“Everyone’s got a busy evening ahead, huh? Let’s all do our best.”

“Yes! Please take care, Mizuki-sama!”

Their focus immediately returned to him.

Watching it all, Suzu sighed inwardly.

(This is going to get messy…)

◇◆◇

Suzu checked her wristwatch.

4:40 p.m. Still some time before assembly.

Ahead stood the grand, three-story Seikakan building.

All first-year girls were required to voluntarily participate in the Seikadan’s activities.

It functioned almost like a second school, teaching politics, discipline, and civic virtue through training, debate, and culture.

Because participants were gathered by region rather than school, Suzu recognized a few faces from her old middle school.

(All right…)

Stepping inside, she began scanning the crowd for potential allies—competent girls worth keeping close for the next three years.

She caught a few whispers and sidelong looks; it reminded her of how people used to treat her at her previous school, like she was something to be avoided.

(Whatever. I’ll find someone sharp enough to matter.)

Her gaze drifted—and landed on a petite girl quietly reading by the wall.

Small-framed but poised, with an intelligent stillness in her eyes.

“You’ve got good taste in books,” Suzu said casually, flashing a friendly smile.

“I’ve read The White Summit by the same author. Is that one good?”

“…So far, it’s boring.”

“That’s a shame.”

Suzu chuckled, leaning lightly against the wall beside her.

“You alone? No middle school friends around?”

“I didn’t have many friends.”

“Nice. Same here.”

“I see.”

The girl answered flatly, eyes never leaving the page.

That indifference, oddly enough, made Suzu like her more.

“What’s your name?”

“…Koito Tsubaki.”