The Race Against the Teacher

During afternoon swimming class, Itozawa and Ichinose entered the pool carrying all the gear they had bought at the convenience store at noon.

They were stunned by the scene before them. The pool looked completely different from the last time they had visited. Teacher Yasuda had remodeled it using his Water Ability.

As they entered, the first thing they saw was a shimmering pool. Its surface was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the ornate lights on the ceiling.

The area around the pool had been transformed into a miniature underwater world. Aquatic plants and decorations swayed gracefully in the water, making it feel like they were in an aquarium. The pool's edge was no longer lined with plain tiles; it had been reshaped into smooth, wave-like curves, as if the ripples in the water had been frozen in place.

On either side of the pool, two small fountains sent clear streams of water into the air. The streams danced overhead in beautiful arcs before falling gracefully back into the pool with a pleasant splash.

Several small waterfalls cascaded down the walls along one side of the pool. The water struck the ground, sending countless sparkling droplets into the air.

Itozawa and Ichinose stared at it all in amazement. They hadn't expected Teacher Yasuda to use his Water Ability to create such a luxurious, dreamlike pool. Every corner held a surprise, and every detail spoke to his exquisite control over water and unique appreciation of beauty.

"This is incredible," Ichinose exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration for the pool.

Itozawa nodded too, admiration for Teacher Yasuda's ability clear in his gaze. "Teacher Yasuda's ability is truly eye-opening."

Along with the other students, they changed into their swimsuits, ready to enjoy a swim in such a dreamlike pool. The water was warm and comfortable, and so clear they could see right to the bottom. Everyone could feel the unique experience Teacher Yasuda's Ability had created.

Teacher Yasuda stood beside the pool, his voice echoing through the natatorium. "Class, today we're having a swimming lesson. With a little help from our Abilities, of course."

His gaze swept over the students. Then he demonstrated first, leaping into the water with a splash. Using his Ability to control the current, he sped through the water and quickly swam fifty meters.

His movements were smooth and fast, and he covered the entire distance in no time.

Seeing Teacher Yasuda's performance, the students were eager to give it a try. They figured the help of their Abilities would make the swimming task easy.

Teacher Yasuda seemed to notice their confidence. He smiled and said, "So, who feels confident enough to race me?"

Shibata immediately rose to Teacher Yasuda's challenge. He stepped forward, a confident smile on his face. "I'll do it!" he declared, his voice loud and full of defiance.

Ando and Kanzaki also came forward calmly. They said nothing, but their strides were firm.

Itozawa hesitated for a moment. He figured Teacher Yasuda was probably trying to make an example of someone, so he was happy not to draw attention to himself. As a Mind-Type Ability user, it's only natural that I'm not confident in my athletic ability. He took a step back, deciding to watch how things played out.

Teacher Yasuda looked at the three students who had stepped forward, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Your courage is commendable. But don't forget: Abilities can help you, but swimming technique and stamina matter just as much."

Shibata laughed and waved a hand. "Don't worry, Teacher Yasuda. I'm a great swimmer!" His exaggerated gesture made him look thoroughly confident.

Ando and Kanzaki said nothing. They went to the edge of the pool and got ready to start the race.

Teacher Yasuda nodded and returned to the other end of the pool to race the three students. A serious look entered his eyes. "All right, let's begin. Are you ready?"

"Ready!" Shibata called loudly, already poised to dive.

Ando and Kanzaki nodded too. Their eyes showed a hint of nerves, but they were even more determined.

Shibata and Ando stood on the starting blocks, their bodies taut as they prepared to launch themselves forward. Shibata's Dynamic Balance Ability kept every movement in the water exceptionally steady, while Ando's Body Control Ability let him precisely control every part of his body, including his strokes and kicks.

"On your marks—go!" At Teacher Yasuda's signal, Shibata and Ando shot into the water like arrows loosed from a bow. Their movements were fast and powerful, water spraying everywhere as they darted through the pool like fish.

Kanzaki chose a different strategy. He jumped into the water, then casually swung his arms as he swam forward. Closing his eyes and focusing his Mental Power, he launched a Mental Attack at Teacher Yasuda, who was also in the pool.

His reasoning was simple: if Teacher Yasuda slowed down enough for Shibata or Ando to win, Class B would save face.

Teacher Yasuda was just about to surge through the water when his body suddenly faltered. His eyes swept sharply across the area, and he quickly spotted Kanzaki's little trick.

He had surrounded the pool with a thin layer of water, allowing him to immediately sense any Ability breaking through it. That meant the culprit could only be Kanzaki, who was lagging behind.

Teacher Yasuda placed his palm on the surface of the water and imposed resistance across the pool. Then he released a grayish-white kind of water that gathered around him and steadily weakened Kanzaki's Mental Attack, while he continued swimming forward unaffected.

Of course he'd prepared water specifically to defend against Mental Attacks. Otherwise, getting hit by one would have been a serious problem.

Shibata and Ando felt the change in the current. They were swimming fast, but the resistance meant they had to exert more effort to overcome it. With the current helping him, Teacher Yasuda quickly closed in on them and then sped past both Shibata and Ando.

In the end, Teacher Yasuda completed the fifty-meter swim by a wide margin, with Shibata and Ando close behind. Kanzaki's Mental Attack was powerful, but against Teacher Yasuda's Water Ability, it was insignificant.

After the race, Teacher Yasuda stood beside the pool, a satisfied smile on his face. "Not bad. You all did well. But remember, Abilities are only an aid. Your true strength comes from your own effort and preparation. Without those, even the strongest Ability won't be effective."

As he spoke, he gave Kanzaki a meaningful look.