The third recommended event: a mixed-gender three-legged race.
As the name implies, it's a three-legged race run in male-female pairs. It doesn't sound particularly difficult on its own, but the challenge rises considerably when you're actually trying to win.
Different genders mean different builds and strength to begin with. There are exceptions, of course, but if you compare athletic performance on equal terms, men generally come out ahead.
The most critical part of a three-legged race is matching your rhythm—perfect coordination between the two partners is absolutely essential.
That's why pairing with someone who has similar speed or a comparable build is the basic requirement.
Yet that's precisely what makes this event so tricky.
Forming a mixed-gender pair makes it hard to meet that basic requirement.
The key strategic question is how well a man and woman with differing builds and strength can synchronize.
Will the man match the woman's pace and prioritize unity to win, or will the woman match the man's and focus purely on raw speed?
It all depends on the pair.
"There are only two events left, including this one. Things are getting serious now."
Yajima-san says this while tightly gripping the cord we'll tie around our legs.
She's my partner for this event.
Her build and running speed are inferior to mine, but I've been aiming for victory by adjusting fully to her top speed, and the results have followed.
She's a member of the track club and the fastest runner in Class C—her ability is more than sufficient.
We've practiced matching my stride to her sprint pace, so I've already determined there are no factors that would cause us to lose.
"Yes. Please put in the effort to maintain our current standing."
"Talking like it's not your problem, huh~? Kamukura-kun, you're working hard for that outstanding student reward too, right? I'm rooting for you."
"In your case, it's not about rooting for me—I'd be in trouble if you don't produce results in the event.
Running with me, someone who's been drawing a lot of attention at this sports festival, means that failure would earn boos not just from Ryuen-kun but from the spectators as well."
"I get it, I get it."
Yajima-san flashes a confident smile in response.
Being in the track club, she seems to have strong confidence in anything involving running.
The referee gives the signal.
We follow it, moving from the waiting area onto the field.
We immediately start tying the cord around our legs. Since we both bend our knees to get ready, our faces end up close together, giving me a clear view to analyze her expression.
"Are you nervous?"
Her face shows confidence, but her gaze dips slightly.
She appears focused on tying the cord, yet my super analytical ability picks up that her mind is elsewhere.
In her eyes, there's a faint trace of fear toward some lingering anxiety.
"...No, it's not really nerves. I just suddenly remembered something that's been bothering me about Ryuen-kun."
She offers a thin smile—the kind someone wears when hiding a guilty conscience—before opening up about what she's feeling.
"You certainly have composure right before an event."
"Sorry about that. But honestly, being paired with Kamukura-kun does put me at ease.
That's why I ended up dwelling on unnecessary thoughts."
"Please reflect on that instead of shifting the blame."
When I point out the obvious, she draws out an amused "Okaaay~" in a playful tone.
But soon her expression returns to what it was before.
A clear lack of focus. I judge that it could interfere with the event.
Fortunately, there's still some time before we start. We can talk at a leisurely pace.
"So, what exactly is troubling you?"
We finish tying the cord and stand up.
As I take steps to address it, Yajima-san's eyes widen slightly.
"...Kamukura-kun, you look intimidating, but you're actually kind, aren't you?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only looking after your mental state because I don't want to be dragged down. That assessment is incorrect."
"Hehe, I'll just go ahead and believe what I want, then."
My reaction seems to amuse her, and her expression brightens.
Her mood has lifted a little, and she begins explaining the source of her distracted state.
"How much do you know about Ryuen-kun's strategy?"
"Everything."
"Then I don't need to explain."
She lets out a small sigh before continuing.
"When he first told us the plan, Ryuen-kun instructed either me or Kinoshita-san to injure our legs in order to strip points from Horikita-san.
...It didn't feel sane at all. Ryuen-kun for saying it so casually, and Minori for agreeing to hurt her own leg—skipping track practice in the process—just for the money."
From the turmoil in her heart, I can tell she's shaken by her class leader's abnormality and by her friend's unthinkable choice.
Unable to decide how to respond to either issue, the sports festival began in that unresolved haze, and now actually witnessing those concerns play out has triggered this unrest.
With no answer in sight, her mind wanders. That's the root of her lack of concentration.
"The excessive targeting of Horikita-san. Once we obtained the participation list, it was clear that attacking key players from the opposing classes would be effective.
But honestly... it hurts. I guess I really can't bring myself to approve of Ryuen-kun's methods after all."
"There is no deception in those feelings."
My indirect affirmation draws a faint smile from her.
"...You don't tell me to just obey Ryuen-kun. Since Kamukura-kun has been in a sort of vice-leader position in Class C, I half-expected you'd get angry if I spoke badly of him, like Ishizaki-kun sometimes does."
"Yet you still chose to consult me despite that prediction. Your courage is commendable."
"Hehe, you're right."
Her spirits seem to recover, and she begins showing a genuine, unburdened smile.
She isn't looking for someone to solve her problem—she hasn't reached that point yet. She's simply lost on how to handle the vague anxiety swirling inside her.
If that's the case, the answer is straightforward: have someone listen to her concerns.
Humans are weak on their own. There are many things we cannot accomplish alone. That's why we seek advice and cooperation from others.
I simply became the person she could confide in.
Letting it out is far better for the heart than keeping it bottled up. That's only natural.
"I've recently come to accept Ryuen-kun as Class C's leader, but... following him is still hard."
"Then what do you want to do?"
"...What do I want?"
She repeats the question, not grasping its intent. This is her weakness—she can see her current situation clearly, but she lacks the strength to derive her own answer from it.
"If you cannot accept Ryuen-kun as leader, who will you follow instead?
Will you follow him in appearance only? Will you install someone you truly acknowledge as leader? Or will you step up and lead the group yourself?"
"...You can't just demand an answer like that out of nowhere."
"There's no need to sugarcoat it. Simply voice what you feel. That is your true heart, and it will be crucial in determining where you stand going forward."
At my words, she thinks for a moment before speaking.
I'm using my talent to subtly adjust my tone and pacing to keep the conversation flowing smoothly, but her sincerity shines through more prominently. It's a virtue.
"...Right now, I think Ryuen-kun is the only one capable of being class leader. Ishizaki-kun or Yamada-kun don't seem cut out for it.
But there are parts of his approach I can't fully accept, so I'm worried whether I can truly follow him. That's why..."
She trails off there.
But slowly, she continues.
"I... couldn't replace Ryuen-kun even if I tried. So for now, even with my reservations, I'll follow him.
It's easy to complain about the way things are, but when it comes to what comes next... I can't put anyone else in the leader position besides him."
"That is sound self-analysis. You arrived at it well."
As she says, anyone can complain.
Instead of merely criticizing a problem, offering one's own opinion and a potential solution—even if that solution is flawed—is an act of courage in itself.
Those who only criticize while avoiding any stance of their own are cowardly.
Finding pleasure in tearing others down is fine, but such people often mistakenly believe they stand above the ones they criticize.
That's why it's boring. It's nothing more than predictable malice.
She is different. Arriving at her own conclusion through her own effort deserves praise.
"...Hey, can I make one suggestion?"
"Make it quick. The event will start soon."
Yajima-san glances around.
She hadn't noticed earlier because she'd been lost in her own thoughts.
Once she confirms, she voices her idea.
"Listen, Kamukura-kun—why don't you become the leader? Besides Ryuen-kun, I think you're the only one who could lead the class.
If you were the leader, I feel like I could follow you..."
"I'll decline that offer. One of my few enjoyments is watching where he chooses to go."
"You don't say you couldn't do it."
"I possess at least that much talent."
I firmly reject her proposal.
As I thought, the factional divide in Class C is beginning to widen.
It's not limited to Sonoda-kun or Yajima-san. Even among the students I haven't spoken with, a certain number likely feel the same.
The distrust toward me that swelled during the uninhabited island exam is gradually being erased by the class's overall improvement and the exposure of my athletic ability at this sports festival.
It's a troubling trend. I had considered unifying the class early to eliminate unnecessary obstacles, but my classmates' hearts proved far more fluid than I anticipated.
"It's strange—somehow that doesn't come across as sarcasm."
"That's only because your ears are choosing a favorable interpretation."
"I see. Then to me, Kamukura-kun, you're a good person."
"That's incorrect. I am by no means a good person."
I replied coldly.
However, Yajima is also from Class C. The defining trait of students in this class is their strong sense of self. Their willpower is well above average.
She smiled faintly while tightening her headband again.
"Talk to me a bit. I decided you're a good person, Kamukura. So to me, you're a good person."
With her unease gone, she turned her full focus to the event. There was no hesitation in her eyes—only a powerful, resolute gaze.
"Then let's both give it everything we've got!"
She clenched her fist and held it out toward me. It was her own way of showing goodwill through a little physical contact.
"I'll pass."
"Ehhh, you're no fun!"
We traded light jabs like that. I didn't move my hand, so she forcefully bumped her fist against my palm anyway. She grinned in satisfaction, and just then, our turn finally arrived.
The event began immediately after. The outcome was obvious: we took first place by an overwhelming margin.
…
Time flies, and before I knew it, only one event remained in the sports festival.
The grand finale was the three-year combined 1200-meter relay. All twelve classes—from first-year Class A to third-year Class D—lined up side by side, a relay truly worthy of closing out the day.
Even this school couldn't provide twelve separate lanes. Instead, the rule allowed whoever broke away from the pack first to take the inside lane.
Given that rule, the importance of the start was clear. A successful starting dash was everything. Every class had the same strategy: build an early lead and hand it off to the later runners—that was one of the keys to victory.
"Damn, I'm actually getting nervous."
While each class waited in their designated areas before the start, Ishizaki's face stiffened.
"Even an idiot like you gets nervous?"
"Shut up. It's the last event—of course it's nerve-wracking."
"Not really."
Ishizaki brushed off Ibuki's provocation with ease, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Watching from behind, Sonoda chuckled quietly to himself.
"Haha, what a weird lineup."
"We just picked the fastest people in the class. There isn't much interaction between us… and three of the six are usually off on their own anyway."
"Ibuki, Nishino, and Kamukura. It's not like you have zero connection, but yeah, it's still unexpected.
Also… I was sure Kinoshita would take Nishino's spot."
"It's been these six since we submitted the entries. Well, Kinoshita injured her foot at just the right time, so even if she'd been planning to run, she probably wouldn't have been able to. Works out fine."
"Just the right time, huh…"
Yajima answered, and the two sports-club members continued their casual conversation.
The event consisted of six runners per class—three boys and three girls—covering 1200 meters total. Each leg was an even 200 meters, exactly one lap of the track, meaning two curves in addition to the straights.
Class C's lineup was me, Ishizaki, and Sonoda for the boys, and Ibuki, Yajima, and Nishino for the girls. It wasn't our absolute strongest possible team, but it was more than good enough. We could definitely produce results. Incidentally, Ryūen had found the whole thing too troublesome and opted out.
"…So tiring. Exhausted. Wanna go home."
"Hey, Nishino, you say every little thing that pops into your head. What if you tank everyone else's morale?"
"Ah, sorry. But I really am tired, and I've got a habit of blurting stuff out, so forgive me."
Ishizaki scolded the listless-looking Nishino.
"You've got this weirdly serious side sometimes."
"Of course. I want Kamukura to carry us to a good result in this relay too. Anything that might break his focus has to be shut down immediately!!"
At Ishizaki's needless burst of enthusiasm, both Nishino and Ibuki looked openly exasperated.
"…That's definitely overstepping."
"Yeah, it's kind of excessive…"
"It's honestly a little annoying."
Yajima and Sonoda, the sports-club pair, nodded firmly in agreement with Ibuki.
Taken aback by the reaction, Ishizaki glanced at my face, clearly worried that his consideration toward me might be coming across as irritating. He has a surprisingly sensitive side beneath that rough exterior.
"My concentration won't break over something like that."
"So… it was annoying?"
"Not especially. Do whatever you want."
I have no intention of restricting other people's actions or words in everyday life. They can do as they please. Praise or criticism—it makes no difference to me.
"You're surprisingly soft on Ishizaki, aren't you?"
Ibuki declared with confidence while adjusting her headband.
"I treat everyone the same."
"That's a lie, Kamukura. Your whole vibe is completely different when you're with Ishizaki or Ibuki compared to the rest of the class."
"That's just your imagination."
When I said that, Sonoda, Yajima, and even Nishino turned suspicious looks on me.
"It feels pretty different when you're with Shiina too."
"I think so as well. Kamukura, you're incredibly gentle with Shiina."
They started chatting about how I seem from the outside. Even though the person in question was standing right there, they got quite animated about it. I had my thoughts, but they looked like they were enjoying themselves, so I left them alone.
However, the signal indicating that preparations were complete rang out, so I urged them to end the conversation.
"It's the final event, so give it everything and burn through all your stamina."
I said only that to them, then moved to the lane for my running order. The others headed to their own positions as well.
I was the anchor—the final runner holding Class C's fate. The other crucial role, the leadoff, belonged to Sonoda. I could count on his speed and reflexes from soccer club. After him came Ishizaki, then Nishino, Ibuki, and finally Yajima.
"We will now begin the final event: the three-year combined 1200-meter relay. First runners, please prepare."
The announcement echoed, and the crowd's cheers grew louder. The excitement for the sports festival's closing event was easily the highest of the day.
The first runners quickly lined up side by side and finished their preparations.
Once the officials confirmed everything, the race began.
The one who shot out at the starting signal was Sudō from first-year Class D. He nailed a perfect start, holding off the upperclassmen and taking the lead.
Sonoda started in fourth. He managed to break from the pack a step ahead before the jostling began. However, about 150 meters in, an upperclassman overtook him, dropping him to fifth. He handed the baton to Ishizaki while still in that position.
"Sorry, the rest is up to you!!"
"Leave it to me!!"
Ishizaki was brimming with spirit, waving his arm wildly as he churned his legs with everything he had. Even though he wasn't part of any sports club, his speed surpassed that of most club members.
Yet every other class had also fielded their elites. Everyone was running at a level above the average athlete, so the order rarely shifted.
Ishizaki gave it his all, but he only managed to climb one spot, passing the baton to Yajima in fourth.
"Don't let anyone pass you!!"
"Who exactly are you talking to?!"
Ahead of them were first-year Class D in the lead, followed by third-year Class A and second-year Class A. Closing in from behind were third-year Class B and first-year Class B.
Still, Yajima pushed forward as if the crushing pressure didn't exist. She couldn't close the gap to the front, but the momentum of the leading first-year Class D faltered, and she handed off in third.
"…Nishino!!"
The moment Nishino took the baton from Yajima, all traces of her earlier lethargy vanished. She ran with deadly seriousness.
Then came an unexpected twist. With about fifty meters left in her leg, the girl from third-year Class A tripped and fell.
A stroke of bad luck. But this was a serious competition—there was no room for mercy. The runners behind surged past third-year Class A.
At that point the order was second-year Class A in first, followed by first-year Class C, first-year Class B, third-year Class B, and finally third-year Class A.
"This one's ours, Horikita-senpai. I was hoping for a closer race, honestly."
In the anchor waiting area, second-year Class A's anchor—Miyabi Nagumo, the current vice president of the student council—watched the struggling third-year Class A runner with a smirk.
A few seconds' delay had been covered by the next runner, lifting third-year Class A back to third, but the gap to the leaders had widened dramatically: roughly thirty meters to second-year Class A, twenty to first-year Class C. Unless there was a massive difference in the anchors' abilities, a comeback looked impossible.
Nagumo kept needling the student council president anyway.
Ibuki was fighting alone to close the gap ahead. While she did, I spoke to another anchor standing in the same zone.
"Kōenji slacking off was predictable, so I tried guessing who would take Horikita's place… but it was you after all."
I addressed the boy who stared back at me without expression—Ayanokōji.
"No one else could run."
"Forcing yourself with that injury seems unreasonable. You won't be able to go all out, will you?"
"Doesn't matter. I'll do what I can. More importantly, shouldn't you be getting ready?"
Following his gaze, I saw Ibuki was already past the halfway mark. I needed to take my position.
"I'm looking forward to it," I said. "Seeing how this sports festival ends."
With that, I ended the conversation with Ayanokōji and moved into place.
The identity of whoever had planted a spy in Class C was still unknown. I hadn't investigated or even speculated, so naturally I had no answer.
But my instincts told me Ayanokōji was the most likely candidate. With his extraordinary analytical ability and athletic talent, he was the obvious top suspect.
Of course, I couldn't be certain. There was still the possibility of Sakayanagi's scheming, or something entirely unforeseen.
"Hey, I figured second place would be Horikita-senpai's class, but I never imagined I'd be up against a first-year… and Class C of all things."
While I was lost in those thoughts, Nagumo approached.
"I thought playing with you would come later… Fine by me. Leaving things half-finished was getting boring anyway. Let's play."
His target had shifted from the student council president to me. Since the accident had robbed him of a showdown with Horikita, he intended to make up for it with me instead.
"The gap's about ten meters. Sorry, but this is a competition. I won't hold back."
His face radiated absolute confidence, not a hint of doubt that he might lose—nor any trace of carelessness.
But no matter his mindset, facing me rendered all of it meaningless.
"Run with everything you've got, so you have no regrets."
"…Hah. You seriously think you can beat me?"
"I have no reason to lose."
The baton was almost here. Nagumo began his approach run.
The pass was clean, and he took off.
"——The opponent is hardly sufficient, but… shall I humor him?"
Ibuki entered my field of vision, running at full tilt.
I started walking slowly, then eased into my approach.
"Here!!"
I took the baton from Ibuki and exploded forward at maximum speed.
In an instant I raised my concentration to its peak, activating every talent related to running.
Cutting through the wind, I closed the gap to Nagumo ahead of me.
I maintained one hundred percent output the entire way, ignoring stamina calculations entirely and simply charging forward.
It was only two hundred meters. Unless it was a long-distance event, pace management was unnecessary for me.
"W-wait!!"
By the fifty-meter mark I had cut the gap to five. At the halfway point I drew even.
Just before the third corner, he was running behind me. In the end, I crossed the line with roughly ten meters to spare.
And with that, every event of the sports festival came to an end.
***
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