A Match with the Teacher

During the afternoon swimming class, Itozawa and Ichinose entered the natatorium with various equipment they bought at the convenience store during lunch.

They were stunned by the scene before them. The natatorium looked vastly different from their last visit. Teacher Yasuda had remodeled it using his Water Ability.

Walking into the natatorium, the first thing that caught their eyes was a shimmering pool. The water's 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. Various aquatic plants and decorations swayed gracefully in the water, giving the feeling of being in an aquarium. The edges of the pool were no longer monotonous tiles but were reshaped into smooth, wave-like patterns, as if the water's undulation had been permanently frozen at the edge.

On both sides of the pool, two small fountains were gushing clear streams of water. The water jets danced in the air, forming beautiful arcs before gracefully falling back into the water with a pleasant splashing sound.

On one side of the pool, several small waterfalls cascaded down from the surrounding walls. The water struck the ground, creating countless sparkling splashes.

Itozawa and Ichinose looked at it all in astonishment. They never expected Teacher Yasuda could create such a luxurious and dreamlike natatorium with his Water Ability. Every corner of the pool was filled with surprises, and every detail revealed Teacher Yasuda's exquisite control over water and his unique understanding of beauty.

"This is truly incredible," Ichinose exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration for the natatorium.

Itozawa nodded as well, his gaze revealing his respect for Teacher Yasuda's abilities. "Teacher Yasuda's abilities are truly eye-opening."

They changed into their swimsuits with the other students, ready to swim freely in such a fantastical natatorium. The water in the pool was warm and comfortable, and the water quality was so clear that everyone could feel the unique experience brought by Teacher Yasuda's abilities.

Teacher Yasuda stood by the edge of the pool, his voice echoing throughout the natatorium. "Students, today we're having a swimming class. Of course, with the help of abilities."

His gaze swept over each student before he demonstrated himself. With a splash, he jumped into the water and then used his ability to control the water flow, accelerating underwater to quickly swim fifty meters.

His movements were fluid and swift, completing the entire distance in no time.

Seeing Teacher Yasuda's performance, the students were eager to try. They felt that with the help of their abilities, they could easily complete the swimming task.

Teacher Yasuda seemed to sense their confidence and said with a smile, "So, are there any students who feel very confident and willing to race me?"

Shibata immediately responded to Teacher Yasuda's challenge with bravado. He stepped forward, a confident smile on his face. "I will!" His voice was loud and full of challenge.

Ando and Kanzaki also walked forward calmly. Their expressions were composed, and they didn't speak, but their steps were firm.

Itozawa hesitated for a moment. He felt that Teacher Yasuda was definitely trying to make an example of someone, so he decisively decided not to steal the spotlight. He thought to himself, As a Mind-Type Ability User, it's understandable not to be confident in athletic abilities. He took a step back, deciding to observe the situation.

Teacher Yasuda looked at the three students who had stepped forward, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Very good, your courage is commendable. However, don't forget, while abilities can help you, swimming skills and stamina are equally important."

Shibata laughed heartily and waved his hand. "Teacher Yasuda, don't worry, I'm a swimming expert!" His movements were exaggerated, showing his full confidence.

Ando and Kanzaki didn't say much more. They walked to the edge of the pool, assumed their starting positions, and prepared to begin the race.

Teacher Yasuda nodded and returned to the other end of the pool, ready to race the three students. A hint of seriousness appeared in his eyes. "Then, let's begin. Are you ready?"

"Ready!" Shibata answered loudly, his body already in a starting position.

Ando and Kanzaki also nodded. A hint of nervousness flickered in their eyes, but determination was more prominent.

Shibata and Ando stood on the starting blocks, their bodies tense, ready to exert force. Shibata's ability, "Dynamic Balance," made his every movement in the water exceptionally stable, while Ando's ability, "Body Control," allowed her to precisely manipulate every part of her body, including her strokes and kicks in the water.

"Ready—Jump!" As Teacher Yasuda gave the command, Shibata and Ando leaped into the water like arrows released from a bow. Their movements were swift and powerful, sending splashes of water flying. The two moved through the water as flexibly as fish.

Kanzaki chose a different strategy. He jumped into the water but simply waved his arms forward, swimming casually. He closed his eyes, concentrated his Mental Power, and launched a Mental Attack at Teacher Yasuda, who was also in the pool.

His idea was simple: as long as Teacher Yasuda's speed slowed down, allowing Shibata or Ando to win, Class B's honor would be salvaged.

Teacher Yasuda was about to exert force to break through the water when his body suddenly stiffened. His eyes sharpened like knives as he scanned his surroundings, quickly discovering Kanzaki's subtle move.

He had surrounded the pool with a thin layer of water, allowing him to immediately detect any breakthrough in abilities. Therefore, it could only be Kanzaki, who was falling behind.

Teacher Yasuda placed his palm on the water's surface, applying resistance to the entire body of water. Then, he released a gray-white water that gathered around him, continuously weakening Kanzaki's Mental Attack while he himself swam forward unaffected.

Of course, he would prepare special water to defend against Mental Attacks; otherwise, it would be a huge trouble if he were hit by one.

Shibata and Ando in the pool felt the change in the water flow. Although they were fast, they needed more strength to counteract the resistance from the water flow. However, Teacher Yasuda, aided by the water flow, quickly approached them and then rapidly overtook Shibata and Ando.

In the end, Teacher Yasuda completed the fifty-meter swim with an absolute advantage, followed closely by Shibata and Ando. Although Kanzaki's Mental Attack was powerful, it seemed insignificant against Teacher Yasuda's Water Ability.

After the race, Teacher Yasuda stood by the pool, a hint of satisfaction in his smile. "Not bad, you all did well. But remember, abilities are just an aid. True strength is reflected in your own effort and preparation; otherwise, no matter how strong your abilities are, they won't be effective."

As he spoke, he looked meaningfully at Kanzaki.