The Bet with Class C

They quickly walked back to the natatorium while chatting, and unexpectedly saw Ryuen Kakeru still standing there. But unlike before, two more figures were by his side: a green-haired youth and a silver-haired girl. The silver-haired girl was actually holding a book, which seemed particularly out of place in an environment like a natatorium.

Itozawa's brow furrowed slightly, his heart filled with doubt. If he had only suspected before, he was now almost certain that all the members of Class C were involved in this exam. Ishizaki's presence here might be considered normal, but Shiina deliberately bringing a book to the natatorium was truly unusual.

Itozawa's thoughts raced. He knew that in the original story, Ishizaki and Shiina did not have special abilities, but the current situation forced him to reconsider. What puzzled him was not that Shiina brought a book, but that her actions were completely inconsistent with her personality and habits. Could Shiina's special ability be related to books? This thought flashed through Itozawa's mind.

He decided to suppress his doubts for the moment and observe the situation first. Itozawa said to the classmates beside him, "It seems the Class C students are also preparing for the assessment. We might be able to observe their actions and perhaps discover something."

The Class B students nodded and began to quietly observe Ishizaki and Shiina's every move. Ishizaki seemed to be discussing something with Ryuen Kakeru, while Shiina stood quietly to the side, her eyes occasionally scanning the pages of the book she held, as if searching for something.

Itozawa noticed that every time Shiina turned a page, the surrounding air seemed to subtly change. A thought struck him: could this book not just be a book, but a special item that could influence the surrounding environment?

He decided to continue observing while also finding a way to learn more about Class C. Itozawa knew that this assessment was not just a simple test, but a contest of special abilities, intelligence, and strategy. He had to remain vigilant while also making the most of every piece of information and resource he could utilize.

Led by Itozawa, the Class B students began a silent game of observation and deduction. They knew that the success or failure of this assessment might be hidden within these details. And Itozawa, in his heart, silently noted every observed detail, preparing to piece them together into complete clues at the opportune moment.

Ryuen Kakeru's gaze swept across the Class B group, finally settling on Itozawa. A provocative smile curved his lips, and he strode towards Itozawa, clearly intending to pick up where they left off and pass the time through combat.

"Itozawa, how about another match?" Ryuen Kakeru's voice carried a clear challenge. "Waiting here is too boring."

Itozawa didn't want to fight Ryuen Kakeru pointlessly. A hint of cunning flashed in his eyes as he proposed an alternative: "Ryuen Kakeru, how about we bet on which class finishes the assessment first?"

He knew that, based on Ryuen Kakeru's earlier words, Class C's assessment involved defeating the Water Persons created by Teacher Yasuda, and these Water Persons were not to be underestimated in combat. Itozawa had questions about how Shiina managed to defeat the Water Persons so quickly, but he didn't ask directly.

Ryuen Kakeru scoffed at the proposal. He didn't have much confidence in the other members of Class C, and this type of competition meant he would still have to wait here bored. Itozawa saw Ryuen Kakeru's hesitation and decided to use provocation to make him agree.

"Ryuen Kakeru, aren't you scared?" Itozawa deliberately provoked. "If you don't even have this much confidence, how can you lead Class C? Or do you think everyone in Class C is trash?"

Ishizaki, who was nearby, reacted fiercely to these words. His eyes seemed ready to spew fire, and his clenched fists revealed his inner anger.

"Ryuen Kakeru, let's accept this challenge!" Ishizaki shouted, his voice echoing in the natatorium. "How could Class C possibly lose to Class B!"

However, just as Ishizaki was about to further express his anger and determination, Ryuen Kakeru's gaze suddenly sharpened. He turned around to face Ishizaki, his calm yet sharp eyes carrying an undeniable authority. Ryuen Kakeru's lips were pressed tightly together, his gaze devoid of any jest, filled instead with sternness and warning.

"Shut up, Ishizaki," Ryuen Kakeru's voice was low and powerful, each word like an unrefutable command.

Ishizaki's body stiffened, his actions halted abruptly by Ryuen Kakeru's order. His anger seemed powerless against Ryuen Kakeru's imposing presence, like a flame extinguished by a bucket of cold water. Ishizaki slowly loosened his fists, a flicker of unwillingness in his eyes, but he knew Ryuen Kakeru's decision was absolute.

Ryuen Kakeru turned back to face Itozawa again, a hint of disdain in his eyes. His gaze was calm and sharp, as if he could see through Itozawa's thoughts. He spoke indifferently, a touch of mockery in his voice, "Itozawa, you thought provocation would work on me? I'm not someone who gets easily provoked."

Hearing this, Itozawa's brow furrowed slightly. He truly felt helpless. He didn't want to clash with Ryuen Kakeru here, but he couldn't seem to find a suitable reason to avoid this fight. His mind raced, thinking of how to skillfully sidestep this unnecessary confrontation.

Just then, a shimmering teleportation array suddenly appeared in the natatorium.

From the light, a figure gradually materialized – it was Ibuki. She appeared with an air of furious indignation.

The light of the teleportation array swirled around her, then slowly dissipated, like the calm after a whirlwind.

Ibuki's appearance made Itozawa's eyes light up. He knew this unexpected turn of events might change the situation.

He noticed Ibuki's expression; her eyes were filled with fighting spirit. Clearly, she had overheard the previous conversation and was ready to act.

Seeing her angry demeanor, Itozawa secretly rejoiced. He knew this fight could be avoided.

Shiina, on the side, caught sight of the shimmering light from the teleportation array. When she saw who was inside, her pupils contracted sharply, and a sense of foreboding immediately surged through her.

"Ryuen Kakeru, stop her quickly!" Shiina's voice was urgent and clear, breaking her long-held silence.

She knew Ibuki's impulsiveness and short temper, and she knew that once provoked, she would rush forward recklessly.

Shiina's silver hair fluttered gently as she turned nervously, her gaze fixed on Ibuki, hoping Ryuen Kakeru would act in time.

Unfortunately, by the time she reacted, it was too late. Because she had teleported in so quietly, she didn't realize that one could hear conversations from within the teleportation array.

By the time she warned Ryuen Kakeru, Ibuki's words were already like a wild horse that had broken free, impossible to retract.

"What is there we wouldn't dare to agree to!" Ibuki's voice echoed through the natatorium, her blue hair flying with her movements, her eyes flashing with angry light, like a raging fire burning within them.

Shiina's heart sank. She knew it was all too late.

Ibuki's body lunged forward, her right leg swinging out like a steel whip, cutting through the air and aiming straight for Itozawa's side. If this kick landed, even an experienced martial artist would find it hard to withstand.

Shiina's fingers, gripping the book, turned white from tension. Her lips moved, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, it only turned into a helpless sigh.

Itozawa stood his ground, his gaze calm, as if he had foreseen Ibuki's attack. The moment Ibuki's leg was about to touch him, he shifted his body slightly, easily evading the blow.

Then, his right hand shot out, firmly grasping Ibuki's ankle, while his left hand lightly supported her knee, completely controlling her offensive momentum.

Ibuki's attack was completely parried. Her body leaned forward slightly due to inertia, but Itozawa's strength and balance control were precise, neither letting her lose her balance nor allowing her attack to continue. His arm was as steady as steel, and Ibuki Mio's leg was firmly fixed in mid-air, unable to advance an inch.

Itozawa's gaze met Ibuki Mio's calmly. His voice was steady and powerful, "Ibuki-san, your anger shouldn't be directed at me."

A flicker of surprise crossed Ibuki Mio's face. She hadn't expected her attack to be so easily neutralized. Her leg was firmly controlled by Itozawa, making it impossible for her to exert further force. She tried to pull her leg back, but Itozawa's strength made it difficult to break free.

"Let go of me!" Ibuki Mio roared, her body twisting as she tried to find an escape.

Ryuen Kakeru watched Ibuki, who had rushed forward and been caught, and shook his head helplessly.

Ibuki, you idiot. She already agreed to it. No matter how angry he was, he had to agree.

He said to Itozawa, "Alright, Itozawa, we'll do as you say. Can you let her go now?"

Itozawa nodded and said calmly, "Then it's settled, Ryuen Kakeru. As for the terms of the bet, we'll decide that after we win."

Then, he slowly released Ibuki's ankle and took a step back, giving her enough space.

Ibuki Mio regained her balance. Anger still lingered in her eyes, but the aggression from before was gone.

"Fine, Itozawa, you win this round," Ibuki Mio admitted reluctantly. "But Class C will never lose."