Prelude to the Storm

On Monday morning, as the first ray of sunlight spilled into the campus, the students of Class D gradually walked into the classroom, beginning a new week.

Hanyu Xiuyi sat at his seat, seemingly reading a book, but in reality, he observed everyone who walked in with his peripheral vision. After the adjustments over the weekend, everyone's state was different—Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki were still chatting and laughing loudly, but there was a hint more determination in their eyes; Karuizawa Kei was chatting with the girls, her laughter more natural than before; Sudo Ken walked in yawning, but after sitting down, he immediately flipped open his notebook and began reviewing the training content from yesterday.

The person Hanyu paid the most attention to was Kushida Kikyo.

She wore a neat school uniform today, her shoulder-length short hair pinned behind her ears with a pale blue hairpin, and a faint smile on her face. That smile was no longer deliberately bright like before, but natural and warm. When she spoke with people at the desks in front of and behind her, her tone had also become more genuine, no longer always agreeing with others as she used to.

"Good morning, Hanyu." she said softly as she passed by him.

"Good morning." Hanyu nodded in response.

Their gazes met briefly, and they both saw the same thing in each other's eyes—prepared.

Horikita Suzune sat down beside him, her black hair neatly draped over her shoulders, and said in a low voice, "Any news from Ibuki?"

"Yes." Hanyu also replied in a low voice, "Ryuen is going to meet her this afternoon to assign specific tasks for the Sports Festival. She will tell us the detailed plan."

Horikita nodded and asked no further questions.

The morning classes passed in peace. When Chabashira Sae was lecturing, her gaze swept across the classroom, as if observing something. When her gaze landed on Kushida, it lingered for a second before she casually moved it away.

Hanyu noticed this detail. Chabashira Sae must have sensed something, but she didn't say anything. This homeroom teacher always maintained an unfathomable sense of distance.

During the lunch break, Hanyu Xiuyi did not go to the rooftop but to the library.

He sat down in a corner seat. Just as he took out his bento, someone sat down opposite him—it was Ichinose Honami. She wore a neat school uniform today, her pale pink long hair gently swaying on her shoulders, and a warm smile on her face.

"Hanyu-kun, long time no see." she said softly, "Can I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Of course." Hanyu put down his bento, "What is it?"

Ichinose's expression became serious: "It's about the Sports Festival."

Hanyu's heart stirred: "Did you hear something too?"

"Yes." Ichinose nodded, "I received news that someone is planning to do something detrimental to Class D during the Sports Festival. I'm not sure who it is, but..." she hesitated, "it's related to Class C."

Hanyu looked at her, feeling even more respect for this Class B leader. She genuinely cared about other classes, not just her own.

"Thank you for telling me this." he said, "But we already know."

Ichinose was stunned for a moment: "You know?"

"Yes." Hanyu said, "And we are already preparing to respond."

Ichinose stared at him for a few seconds, then smiled with relief: "It seems I was overthinking it. Hanyu-kun is indeed not the type to passively take a beating."

"Thank you anyway," Hanyu said sincerely. "This gesture is very important."

Ichinose Stood Up, preparing to leave. After two steps, she looked back and said, "By the way, on the day of the Sports Festival, Class B and Class D are not rivals. If you need any help, feel free to ask."

"Okay," Hanyu nodded. "If I need it, I'll find you."

Ichinose smiled and turned around to leave.

Hanyu Looked at her Back View, his evaluation of this girl rising a few more points in his heart. In this school full of schemes, people as sincere as Ichinose were truly too few.

At three in the afternoon, Ibuki Mio appeared on time behind the Old School Building.

Ryuen was already waiting for her. He leaned against the wall, holding the Notebook he never parted with, a Signature Dangerous Smile on his face.

"You're here?" he Looked at her. "How have things been Recently?"

"Fine," Ibuki's expression remained cold. "What is it?"

Ryuen flipped open the Notebook and looked at the content recorded on it. "Are the tasks for the Sports Festival ready?"

"Ready," Ibuki said. "I will cause chaos during the Obstacle Race as you requested."

"Very good," Ryuen nodded and closed the Notebook. "Remember, the chaos must be just right. Not too early, not too late. It must be when Class D's Key Player makes their appearance."

Ibuki nodded. "Understood."

Ryuen stared at her for a few seconds and suddenly asked, "Ibuki, you won't betray me, will you?"

Ibuki's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained cold. "Why would I betray you?"

"Because you had Contact with Hanyu Xiuyi," Ryuen's voice turned dangerous. "My people saw you talking behind the Gymnasium."

Ibuki's heart tightened. Was she discovered? No, it should just be a test.

"Yes," she admitted frankly. "He approached me and tried to Bribe me. I refused."

Ryuen stared into her eyes, seemingly judging the truth. After a long time, he smiled.

"Very good. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me." He patted her shoulder. "Keep up the good work. After this is done, you'll get your Benefits."

He Turned Around and left, disappearing into the Woods.

Ibuki Stood in place until she confirmed he was far away before letting out a long sigh of relief. Her palms were covered in sweat, and her back was soaked.

In that moment, she thought Everything was over.

But she got through it.

She took out her mobile phone and sent Hanyu a message: "Mission confirmed. On the day of the Sports Festival, Ryuen will make a move during the Obstacle Race. Detailed plan to follow."

After sending it, she put away her phone and quickly left the dangerous place.

7 PM, Hanyu Xiuyi's dormitory.

The Core Members gathered again. This time, the attendees were: Horikita Suzune, Hirata Yousuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, Sudo Ken, Karuizawa Kei, Kushida Kikyo, Ayanokoji Kiyonaga, and Matsushita Chiaki and Hasebe Haruka, who were specially called over.

Ibuki Mio's intelligence had already been sent over. Hanyu projected it onto the wall so everyone could see.

"Ryuen's plan is divided into three parts," Hanyu said, pointing at the projection. "First, before the Obstacle Race, Kushida will drug our Key Player. We've confirmed the drug; it's not a sleeping pill, but a Stimulant. If discovered, not only will the score be canceled, but they could also be expelled."

Everyone's expression turned serious.

"Second, during the Obstacle Race, Ibuki will create chaos," Hanyu continued. "The specific method is to sabotage a critical obstacle, causing our player to get injured or unable to finish the race."

"Third, and the most insidious," Hanyu pointed to the third part of the projection. "During the Tug of War Competition, Class C players will intentionally foul, and then frame us. If successful, we'll be penalized, and they'll gain an Advantage."

"Bastard!" Sudo Ken slammed his fist on the table. "That Ryuen guy, he's too despicable!"

"Calm down," Horikita said. "Now that we know, we can prepare in advance."

Hanyu nodded. "Yes. So we'll do the opposite and make all his plans fall through."

He looked at Kushida. "Kushida, continue to cooperate with him and pretend to drug them. But switch the drug to harmless Vitamin Pills."

Kushida nodded. "Understood."

He looked at Ibuki's intelligence. "Ibuki will continue to cooperate with him, but will notify us in advance when creating chaos. Our people need to avoid that area."

He looked at Sudo. "Sudo, you are the Key Player for the Obstacle Race. Be especially careful that day and pay attention to your surroundings."

"Leave it to me!" Sudo patted his chest.

He looked at Hirata. "Hirata, you're in charge of coordinating the Tug of War Competition. If Class C tries to frame us, you need to discover and stop it immediately."

Hirata nodded. "Okay."

He looked at Yukimura and Matsushita. "You two are responsible for Data Analysis. Notify me immediately if you detect any Anomaly."

The two nodded.

He looked at Karuizawa and Hasebe. "You two are responsible for coordinating the Girls. Make sure everyone knows what to do."

"Understood!" The two responded in unison.

Finally, he looked at Horikita and Ayanokoji. "We will be responsible for overall command and Risk Warning. Handle any issues immediately."

Horikita nodded, and Ayanokoji gave a slight nod.

Hanyu looked around, seeing the people he trusted, and a complex emotion surged within him. There was tension, anticipation, and also an inexplicable sense of being moved.

"The Sports Festival is five days away," he said. "In these five days, we must make thorough preparations. Training will continue as usual, but we need to be more vigilant. Anyone who discovers an anomaly, report it immediately."

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

After the meeting ended, everyone left one by one. Kushida was the last to go. As she reached the door, she looked back at Hanyu.

"Hanyu-kun, I..."

"What is it?"

Kushida hesitated for a moment, then said, "I want to say thank you. Thank you for being willing to trust me."

Hanyu looked at her and said calmly, "It's not that I trust you; it's that you chose to be worthy of trust."

Kushida was stunned for a moment, then smiled. The smile was warm and genuine, unlike any she had ever shown before.

"Yes. I will."

She pushed open the door and disappeared into the corridor.

Hanyu was left alone in the room. He walked to the window and gazed at the night outside. Moonlight bathed the campus, making everything appear so quiet and peaceful.

But he knew this peace was merely the prelude to a storm.

The Sports Festival five days later would be a battle that determined Class D's fate.

He clenched his fist, a determined glint flashing in his eyes.

"Bring it on, Ryuen," he whispered. "Let me see what other tricks you have."