Which of Kitagawa's Girlfriends Are You Talking About? (Continued)

From this perspective, it's understandable that Ryuen Kakeru would choose to act alone. After all, unless he had the strongest control over Class C in the past and could force all the students to hand over their phones to track each person's spending of Private Points, there's simply no way to control the behavior of each student in Class C under such circumstances, let alone other classes.

"You'll probably get a lot of visitors during this time. How you respond to them is up to you, Sudo. Just follow your heart."

After walking in silence for a while, Kitagawa Ryo patted Ken Sudō on the shoulder again:

"Just remember why you came to this school, and treat this as a Special Exam in the second semester of the first year of your three-year high school life."

"... I see."

Ken Sudō nodded, seemingly understanding, then clenched his fist and made his declaration:

"I will win all the games, I don't care about anything else."

"That's a pretty good way to deal with it."

After receiving an answer from Ken Sudō with a smile, and accompanying him to the playground, Kitagawa Ryo temporarily said goodbye to Sudo under the pretext of going to check on other classes, and then walked over to Class 1-C without any sense of incongruity.

Thanks to his usual bad reputation and notorious track record, even the older students didn't want to easily approach this area that Class 1-C had reserved, fearing that they might be tricked by these delinquents and get into trouble. Occasionally, two students who wanted to peek at Class C's situation and deduce their seeded players and order of appearance would stand far away, completely unlike Kitagawa Ryo who strolled around leisurely.

"Hey? Isn't this Kitagawa-kun? It's rare to see you on the playground."

Before long, Ishizaki Daichi, who had noticed him, came running over. Although Shiina Hiyori was temporarily in charge of Class C, her main influence was still concentrated among the girls. Ishizaki Daichi naturally became the leader of the boys after Ryuen Kakeru left. After all, he had at least persevered to the end on the Uninhabited Island and contributed to the class, which everyone had seen.

"I just came to check on the situation here. Aren't we all allies of the White Team this time?"

Kitagawa Ryo answered in a casual tone, glanced around briefly, greeted a few other students he was familiar with, and then asked:

"Where 'Hiyori? I haven't seen her."

"Shiina will be a little late today. It seems she went to the Keyaki Mall to work on that betting game."

Not at all surprised that Kitagawa Ryo asked about Shiina Hiyori, Ishizaki Daichi chuckled and immediately gave an answer that seemed to have been prepared in advance.

As he spoke, he propped his left leg up on the low pole in front of him, stretching and warming up, while bringing up the prediction contest that had been captivating the entire Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School for the past two days, saying in a sly tone:

"Speaking of which, Kitagawa-ge, which project and group are you in? Can you give me a little insider information? I'll bet my entire fortune on you, hehe."

"As for that, our class hasn't decided yet."

Faced with Ishizaki Daichi's request, Kitagawa Ryo politely declined and instead changed the subject to Class C:

"After all, there's still a month until the Sports Festival starts, and I bet your Class C hasn't decided yet. Things are all pretty chaotic."

"That's true, but given the overall level of the boys in our class, they can get good grades without much special training."

Ishizaki Daichi, seemingly confident in his class, waved his hand, appearing completely unconcerned about Class C's current state of affairs where everyone was doing their own thing. This prompted Kitagawa Ryo to offer a subtle, sarcastic comment:

"This Sports Festival isn't about fighting, so let's focus on preparing properly."

"Definitely."

Although Ishizaki Daichi replied with that, his attitude remained quite nonchalant. The other students around him seemed to be in the same boat. Compared to seriously preparing for the Sports Festival, their minds were mostly occupied by the predictions. The Sports Festival had become a tool or medium for predictions.

"Good luck to you guys, I'll go check out the other classes."

Feeling that Shiina Hiyori probably wouldn't be coming anytime soon, and not seeing Ibuki Mio, finding no reason to stay any longer, simply got up, waved to Kitagawa Ryo Ishizaki Daichi, and left Class C's side with the other's "see you next time," glancing towards the vicinity of Class D next door.

There were quite a few students gathered around Class D. After all, they were a class that had been demoted from Class A overnight. Some were there to watch the fun, others to gather information. However, the students in Class D were mentally strong and continued to practice diligently for each activity under the guidance of Hirata Yosuke and Kushida Kikyo. It was a lively and enthusiastic scene.

Kitagawa Ryo's arrival didn't initially attract much attention; at most, people assumed he was there as a rival to check on their training. However, to everyone's surprise, Kitagawa Ryo immediately approached and greeted the class Leader, Katsuragi Kohei, quite familiarly.

Good afternoon Katsuragi.

"Hmm, good afternoon."

To most people's surprise, Katsuragi Kohei responded to Kitagawa Ryo's greeting with a smile. Totsuka Yahiko was standing next to him, blinked and suddenly had the illusion that he was still half asleep.

As the undisputed culprit who pushed their original Class A into the abyss during the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, Kitagawa Ryo's level of hatred in Class D goes without saying. Now, even when classmates insult each other, they have to include "You are a spy who colluded with Kitagawa."

But Totsuka Yahiko thought about it again and realized that it must be because Katsuragi needed to show his composure in public, which was a manifestation of his magnanimity.

Unconsciously, Totsuka Yahiko felt even more admiration for Katsuragi Kohei's painstaking efforts for the class's reputation. He immediately walked over to Katsuragi's side, without saying a word, but just put on a fierce but weak look, as if he wanted to put pressure on Kitagawa Ryo and let him know that Class D were not to be trifled with.

Kitagawa Ryo didn't bother with this boy who was trying too hard to show off in Katsuragi Kohei, and deliberately spoke in a loud voice:

"I have inside information from the upperclassmen about this prediction contest. Want to go for something big with me? It's a sure-fire way to make money."

The moment he uttered those words, all the students in the area, including those from Class D and other grades, turned their attention to him. It was a mix of guessing games and insider information; every word seemed to be tugging at their heartstrings.

"Don't you already have your ally Class C? Why come to us, Class D, for cooperation instead of them? Besides, our class isn't interested in this guessing game, nor do we want to do this sure-fire, high-profit deal you're talking about. Please leave."

Seemingly unmoved, Katsuragi Kohei crossed his arms and unhesitatingly rejected Kitagawa Ryo's suggestion. As soon as he spoke, Totsuka Yahiko immediately echoed:

"Exactly, you're definitely up to no good. Our class won't fall for your tricks this time. Dream on."

"That's a bit of a shame. After all, I was thinking of making up for the fact that I tricked so many Private Points on the Uninhabited Island, and I was going to take you guys out to make some money. What a pity."

Upon hearing this, Kitagawa Ryo simply shrugged regretfully, then turned around decisively and left without stopping, leaving only his back view for the students of Class D.

As soon as he left, many students from Class D quickly gathered around Katsuragi Kohei, eager to hear his opinion on Kitagawa Ryo's speech.

Unlike the undisciplined Class C, most students in Class D, formerly Class A, are quite self-disciplined and willing to follow the instructions of the class Leader, except for a few oddballs with peculiar personalities. However, after their disastrous performance in the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, many of them, while not outwardly changing, have developed many new thoughts, including this prediction contest.

Given Katsuragi Kohei's steady personality, he certainly wouldn't openly encourage the students of Class D to invest heavily in this Private Points contest.

"Regardless of whether they truly want to cooperate with us, Kitagawa claims to have inside information about upperclassmen. Katsuragi, do you think this is true?"

Soon, Matoba Shinji was the first to ask a question.

"... I have no way of confirming the truth of this matter at the moment."

Katsuragi Kohei glanced at him and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Frankly speaking, without the school's antics, Class D's chances of winning this Sports Festival would have been over 70%, because the Red Team, composed of Class A and Class D, was stronger on paper than the White Team, composed of Class B and Class C. And this wasn't just true for the First Year; the same applied to the second and third-year students.

The prospectus had already stirred up some excitement among the students in Class D, and with Kitagawa Ryo's instigation, even the slow-witted Katsuragi Kohei could sense that many of his classmates were probably planning to secretly place bets.

Unfortunately, although Kitagawa Ryo didn't say much, he still directly pointed out the reality that the students of Class D were clearly less well-off than before. After all, from July until now, their only income has been the Private Points converted from Class Points each month. The Uninhabited Island Special Exam yielded nothing, the cruise vacation only cost money and didn't bring in any, and the fortune-telling shop at the end of summer vacation made a hefty profit off them before leaving.

"If you ask me, what Kitagawa said just now might have been to pass on information to the mole in our class. After all, everyone has been paying close attention to the mole's actions these past two days because of the competition list issue, so that's why he came up with this method."

Sanada Kō, somewhat whimsically, proposed an alternative approach.

"I don't know what others think, but if Kitagawa says he has inside information about upperclassmen, I'll definitely believe him. Isn't his girlfriend in the Student Council?"

Another boy said he believed Kitagawa Ryo's statement.

"Um, which of his girlfriends are you talking about?"

"It's Horikita, the Student Council Horikita. Isn't her brother the current Student Council president? Horikita Manabu from Class 3-A."

"Wow, now that you mention it, it does seem quite complex."

Listening to the boys next to him excitedly starting to discuss it, Katsuragi Kohei shook his head helplessly. After all, he had also applied to the Student Council when school started, but he was not selected in the end. Instead, the two spots were taken by Class D, which is now Class B.

"Everyone, stop speculating. Maybe Kitagawa deliberately told us this for this effect. We haven't even finalized the competition schedules for our First Year classes yet, let alone the inside stories of the upper grades."

In the end, it was Hirata Yosuke who stepped in to smooth things over, and then naturally turned his attention to Kushida Kikyo:

"Kushida Kikyo, you know a lot of people, so you must have some senior classmates, right? Have you heard any inside information?"

"Ah, haha."

Kushida Kikyo, who had originally intended to remain hidden, was thus exposed. After giving an awkward but polite smile, she pretended to scratch her cheek in slight distress.

"Actually, I don't know many upperclassmen I'm familiar with. Speaking of which, Hirata- kun, aren't you in the Soccer Club? You should know a few upperclassmen there, right? I remember that Senior Nagumo from Class 2-A often participates in your Soccer Club's activities and training, right?"

As she spoke, Kushida Kikyo subtly kicked the ball back to Hirata Yosuke, suggesting with a sweet smile:

"He's the next Student Council president and also the class Leader of Class 2-A. Why don't we just ask him for information?"

As if reminded by Kushida Kikyo, Hirata Yosuke suddenly slammed his right palm down.

"Oh, and there's also Senior Nagumo."

Then, he spoke earnestly towards Katsuragi Kohei:

"Senior Nagumo will also be participating in our Soccer Club's match this weekend. Katsuragi, would you like to come and ask him about it? If there's any inside information, he should know."

"Okay, I understand. I'll go see him with you this weekend."

Although he really didn't want to face the same judges who had rejected him from the Student Council interview, Katsuragi Kohei decided to agree because it was for the sake of the class.

Meanwhile, Kitagawa Ryo, completely unconcerned about what would happen to Class D, didn't head to Class 1-A, which he hadn't visited yet. Instead, he walked over to the second-year students and, like best buddies, went straight to Kiriyama in Class 2-B, putting his arm around his shoulder.

"How are the preparations for the Sports Festival going? Are you confident you can lead Class B to a resounding victory over Class A?"

Since everyone was in the same White Team faction in this Sports Festival, Kiriyama didn't pay much attention to Kitagawa Ryo coming to his side at first, but as soon as he said those words, Kiriyama's expression darkened instantly.

As the Leader Class 3-B and vice president of the Student Council who has not yet officially defected to Nagumo's camp, he has always cultivated the persona of a seemingly submissive person who has endured hardship and humiliation and whose efforts have been rewarded. Therefore, many students who are potential opponents of Nagumo unconsciously have a good impression of him and have high expectations of him. However, when Kitagawa Ryo said it so casually, the nature of the situation was quite different.

"Keep your voice down... How could Horikita-senpai value a freshman like you, so impulsive and reckless?"

Fortunately, Kiriyama reacted quickly enough, and immediately dragged Kitagawa Ryo to a secluded corner, where he unceremoniously adopted the demeanor of a senior and reprimanded him.

"I'm only doing this because I care about you, senior."

As if he were burdened with a tremendous injustice, Kitagawa Ryo spread his hands and protested:

"Nagumo took over as Student Council President right at the end of the Sports Festival. If you can dampen Kiriyama's spirit at this Sports Festival, then his appointment as Student Council President won't be convincing. It's that simple."

As he spoke, Kitagawa Ryo simultaneously adopted a posture of considering his best interests:

"I really hope that Kiriyama -senpai's Class 2-B can beat Class A in this Sports Festival. I even went out of my way to persuade Kiryuin from your class, and she promised me that she would do her best to get points for the class in this Sports Festival."

"Kiryuin? What? No... you, her."

Upon hearing Kitagawa Ryo mention that Kiryuin Fuka would also be giving her all in this Sports Festival, Kiriyama Shuu's pupils widened in disbelief, her eyes filled with disbelief, and she could barely speak.

"Hmm, what's wrong? According to the information I've gathered, although this senior from the Kiryuin doesn't participate much in class affairs, her academic and athletic abilities are undeniable. She's an excellent asset, and because she's been slacking off, she could very well become the winning trump card to catch Class A off guard."

"No, well... why didn't you discuss it with me beforehand?"

After stammering for a while, Kiriyama finally managed to speak clearly and questioned Kitagawa Ryo in a stern tone, only to receive a glare in return.

"How can I discuss this with you? Kiryuin told me that you and she dislike each other. I'm worried that mentioning Senior Kiriyama's name will backfire in the end."

Before Kiriyama could say anything more, Kitagawa Ryo waved his hand dismissively:

"Alright, I came here to talk to you about this, Kiriyama- senpai. I have something to do, so I'll be going now. Good luck, White Team at the Sports Festival!"

After saying that, Kitagawa Ryo turned and left again without looking back, leaving Kiriyama standing there alone with a furrowed brow and an uncertain expression, seemingly lost in thought.

"Hey? Isn't this Kitagawa-kun? What are you doing here with us second-year students?"

After lingering nearby for a while, Kitagawa Ryo heard a familiar voice call his name two minutes later. Turning around, he saw Asahina Nazuna from Class 2-A, wearing a white PE shirt and looking at him with a slightly surprised expression. She was standing a few meters away, waving cutely to his left and right.

"Oh, it's Asahina Nazuna- senpai. Good afternoon."

Mimicking the younger, smirking smile of Yagami Takuya, a fellow outstanding graduate of the fifth class of the Amasawa Ichika White Room, whom he had once seen, Kitagawa Ryo turned around and took two steps to Asahina Nazuna's side:

"Is this also preparation for the Sports Festival?"

"Yeah, although... well, anyway, good health is very important."

Seemingly feeling that there were some things she couldn't say to Kitagawa Ryo, Asahina Nazuna hesitated for a moment before finally offering only a gentle smile.

"Huh? Isn't this Kitagawa, First Year student? What are you doing with Asahina Nazuna? Do you like younger men?"

Before the two could exchange more than a few words, a girl who seemed to be quite familiar with Asahina Nazuna noticed them as she passed by and came over with interest to tease them.

As for why the other person recognized him, Kitagawa Ryo could only say that the vote and participants in the ranking of handsome freshmen that circulated widely in the grade were not limited to First Year.

"Moeka, don't talk nonsense! Kitagawa and I aren't like that. We just saw each other on the street and chatted for a bit. Don't spread rumors!"

"Okay, I won't bother you anymore. I'm going to practice the relay over there."

The two seemed to have a very good relationship, and their conversations were mostly filled with joking and laughter.

After the other person had walked away, Asahina Nazuna apologized to Kitagawa Ryo and explained:

"That's Shuchi Momoka from Class C, a good friend of mine. She's pretty casual with her words, so don't take it to heart."

"It's okay, having friends you can joke around with is a good thing."

Kitagawa Ryo maintained his polite smile, but this little incident made him think more highly of Asahina Nazuna. After all, just like cross-class romances, genuine friendships across classes were rare in Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School, especially in the abnormal environment of second-year students who were popular with everyone in Class A.

After chatting with Asahina Nazuna for a while about interesting things about Hotaru, Kitagawa Ryo politely said goodbye to her. This time, he left the playground directly and met up with Kiryuin Fuka, who was waiting for him, on a small path on campus.

"I copied down the contract you requested regarding the one between Nagumo and the second-year student. I couldn't help it, since I didn't sign it with him; otherwise, I would have shown it to you directly."

Upon meeting, Kiryuin Fuka immediately handed Kitagawa Ryo a printed document, revealing the contents of Nagumo's contract to rule the second-year students:

"1. Seventy-five percent of the Private Points earned each month will be unconditionally transferred to Miyabi Nagumo."

2. Obey Miyabi Nagumo's instructions and refrain from taking hostile actions.