Ryuen Kakeru's Challenge

The girls' competition concluded, and the boys' event followed closely. Students from six different groups dove into the water, commencing their race. Each group's competition was filled with passion and speed. Soon, the winners from the six groups—Kanzaki, Itozawa, Shibata, Sumida, Watanabe, and Yonezu—advanced to the finals.

These six boys stood at the starting line of the pool, their eyes gleaming with competitive spirit. As Yasuda's whistle blew, they shot into the water like arrows, beginning an intense rivalry.

Kanzaki's performance in the water was particularly outstanding. His body carved perfect trajectories through the water, each stroke and kick appearing precise and powerful. His speed and skill gave him an advantage in the race.

Itozawa was not to be outdone. His Mind-Type Ability allowed him to quickly analyze water currents and his own movements. Although his physical condition wasn't as good as other competitors, his intelligence and strategy kept him at the forefront.

Shibata was also very fast in the water. His Body Ability gave him immense propulsion, and he gave his all, hoping to win the competition.

Sumida, Watanabe, and Yonezu also fought hard in the water, fully demonstrating their speed and endurance.

Ultimately, Kanzaki touched the finish line by a narrow margin, winning the race. Shibata followed closely, but couldn't hide his surprise, clearly unable to accept that he had lost to Kanzaki.

"How is this possible? I actually lost to you!" Shibata's voice held a hint of unwillingness as he looked at Kanzaki, his eyes shining with competitive fire.

Kanzaki appeared calmer, knowing his victory was hard-won. He turned to Shibata and said with a smile, "You performed excellently, Shibata. The gap between us isn't large. Let's race again next time."

Itozawa and the other competitors also congratulated Kanzaki, recognizing his victory as a testament to his strength and skill.

Yasuda expressed satisfaction with the results. "Very good, Kanzaki, your victory is well-deserved. The other students also performed well; you all demonstrated your abilities."

The swimming lesson was drawing to a close, and the students, while drying themselves, discussed the upcoming Ability Theory class.

Class B students chattered about the next Ability Theory lesson, filled with anticipation and curiosity about what Hoshimiya-sensei would teach.

"Do you guys remember the ability case studies Hoshimiya-sensei discussed last class? They were so interesting. I wonder what she'll talk about this time," Watanabe said with anticipation, brimming with curiosity about the next lesson.

"Yeah, I wonder what new knowledge she'll bring us this time," Amikura chimed in, her voice also carrying a hint of eagerness.

Meanwhile, Shibata was being teased by his classmates about how Hoshimiya-sensei had tricked him into standing up last class.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Shibata's face as he tried to retort, "Don't laugh at me. If you think you're so tough, let Hoshimiya-sensei try it on you and see if you can resist."

No one fell for it; instead, they all burst into laughter, filling the natatorium with a cheerful atmosphere.

"Alright, alright, stop teasing Shibata. Let's think about what we'll learn in the next class," Itozawa interrupted their banter, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness as he tried to steer the conversation back to the lesson.

"Right, Hoshimiya-sensei always brings us surprises. I'm really looking forward to it," Ichinose joined the discussion, her eyes sparkling with a thirst for knowledge.

The students nodded in agreement, their smiles fading. They held deep respect and anticipation for Hoshimiya-sensei's lessons.

Just then, a noisy commotion erupted from the entrance of the natatorium, drawing everyone's attention.

Ryuen Kakeru, Ishizaki, Komiyama, and Kondo swaggered in, with Shiina following behind them reluctantly. This time, she wasn't carrying any books.

As soon as Ryuen Kakeru entered, he loudly addressed Yasuda, ignoring everyone else. "Yasuda-sensei, I know you went easy on us yesterday, so I made the other thirty-five people train again. You don't mind, do you, sensei?"

Yasuda looked somewhat surprised, not expecting Ryuen Kakeru to do that, but he had no objections and simply nodded in agreement.

Ryuen Kakeru didn't seem to care about Yasuda's reaction. He turned and walked towards Itozawa.

Seeing the Energy Stone in Kanzaki's hand and their wet appearance, Ryuen Kakeru knew Kanzaki must have won their swimming race.

He immediately strode forward arrogantly and provocatively challenged Kanzaki, "Kanzaki, do you dare to bet with me? The stakes are one thousand Energy Stones. If I win, you give me the thousand Energy Stones. If I lose, I'll give you a thousand Energy Stones."

Kanzaki's expression remained calm, showing no intention of engaging. There wasn't the slightest flicker in his eyes, as if Ryuen Kakeru's provocation was beneath his notice.

Itozawa noticed the scene, a thoughtful look crossing his eyes. He knew Ryuen Kakeru's challenge might be part of a strategy or an attempt to test Kanzaki's reaction. Itozawa decided to remain vigilant and observe the unfolding situation.

The surrounding students also began to whisper, curious about Ryuen Kakeru's challenge and Kanzaki's calm response. Some expressed dissatisfaction with Ryuen Kakeru's arrogant behavior, while others admired Kanzaki's composure and confidence.

Seeing Kanzaki's lack of reaction, Ryuen Kakeru's expression showed a hint of displeasure, but he quickly regained his arrogant smile. "What, Kanzaki, are you scared?"

Kanzaki finally spoke, his voice calm yet firm. "Ryuen Kakeru, I have no interest in gambling with you. If you want Energy Stones, earn them with your own strength."

Ryuen Kakeru's smile froze on his face, a flash of anger in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

He let out a cold snort and, without further entanglement, turned and left the pool area. His three followers trailed behind him. Shiina gave them a polite nod before walking inside.

Class B students began to leave the natatorium one by one, but their discussions were far from over.

Ryuen Kakeru's challenge and Kanzaki's composed reaction became the focus of their conversations. Some began to speculate whether Ryuen Kakeru would give up, while others expressed admiration for Kanzaki's strength and calmness.