Classroom12.5

Classroom of the Elite 2nd year Volume 12.5

Chapter 3. See You Next Time

The intense year-end special exam had concluded, and the date was now Saturday, March 19th.

At 7 a.m., Ryuuen left his dormitory alone and headed toward the area outside the school.

At this hour, most people were probably still asleep, and the temperature was a little cold.

Upon arriving at the destination, he found that the person he was looking for had already arrived ahead of him.

With her back to Ryuuen, the small figure stood quietly, gazing at the scenery.

"You arrived really early."

Then, to avoid startling her, he spoke carefully.

Since the results of the bet had been decided, the two of them hadn't met again in the past few days due to various coincidences.

What kind of expression would she show when she turned around, and what would she say?

Ryuuen wasn't deliberately trying to provoke her—he was simply curious.

Holding a cane, Sakayanagi slowly turned to face him.

Her large eyes, which gazed at Ryuuen, were still full of determination, as usual.

"I have difficulty moving, so I must take action earlier than others," she explained why she had arrived first, then added:

"Also, since I'll be saying goodbye to this scenery soon, I couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental."

She had come out for a stroll earlier than usual, speaking with an air of wistfulness.

Ryuuen was the one who had called her out.

And Sakayanagi was the one who had responded to the call.

Initially, Sakayanagi had planned to wait for Ryuuen to speak first. However, he remained silent.

She couldn't entirely read the emotions behind his expression and demeanor as he stood before her.

So, she hesitated, wondering whether she should cut straight to the point and whether that would be the correct move.

But, observing Ryuuen's apparent wariness, Sakayanagi decided to be a bit more open.

"Thank you for granting me extra time before my voluntary withdrawal. It's been a great help, allowing me to wrap up some unfinished matters."

Originally, Ryuuen and Sakayanagi had made a bet where the loser would voluntarily withdraw from the school. After the year-end special exam ended, the loser was supposed to pack their bags and leave the school with Maezono. However, days had passed, and Sakayanagi was still there, all thanks to Ryuuen's permission.

If the withdrawal had followed the school's official exam regulations, it would have been executed immediately.

However, Sakayanagi's withdrawal was based on a private agreement between students. Since no specific rules had been set, both parties had agreed that Sakayanagi could stay until the end of the month. The school had also endorsed this arrangement.

"Don't think I did this out of kindness."

"Oh? Isn't that the case?"

"Absolutely not. It's simply more convenient for me this way. The longer you linger, the deeper the blow to Class A. It gives your classmates more time to absorb the reality of your withdrawal."

In other words, if Sakayanagi had disappeared immediately after the exam, her departure wouldn't have had the desired psychological impact on her class.

"Oh, right, you're no longer in Class A, are you?"

Ryuuen laughed mockingly, and Sakayanagi responded with a slight smile.

"I see. Everything is for your own benefit, then. I'll take back my thanks."

Even when provoked, Sakayanagi maintained her calm demeanor, prompting Ryuuen to sneer as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

Seeing that Ryuuen was still hesitating to get to the point, Sakayanagi seemed to pick up on the matter he wanted to discuss. To make it easier for him, she gently urged.

"According to our agreement, I'll be leaving the school soon. So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Before the loser pathetically leaves this school, I've got a few things I want cleared up."

Ryuuen, with a provocative tone, laced his words with sarcasm.

"Feel free to ask anything. If it's something I can answer, I'll be happy to oblige," Sakayanagi replied, adopting a welcoming attitude as if to emphasize that this was the purpose of her being there.

However, Ryuuen, who should have had everything sorted in his mind, opened his mouth to speak—only to close it again.

This time was different from before.

Unexpectedly, he found himself at a loss for words.

What Ryuuen wanted to ask was something that could only be addressed here and now.

Did he really need confirmation, or was it unnecessary?

Although he thought he had his answer, seeing Sakayanagi before him caused him to waver.

To conceal his hesitation, Ryuuen walked forward, passing by Sakayanagi.

Then, when they stood with their backs to each other, he stopped.

"Even though you've decided to withdraw, you seem just the same as always. Are you just putting on a brave face?"

"Who knows? What do I look like in your eyes?"

"...Hmph."

No change at all. From beginning to end, she remained an arrogant woman. That was Ryuuen's unfiltered impression.

If she refused to drop her assertive attitude, then he couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.

There were things he needed to ask, things he needed to say.

"I don't accept the result of that match."

Even speaking the words took considerable effort.

It was a feeling that had never existed within Ryuuen—a foreign sensation dragged from the depths of his being into the light of day.

"Don't accept it? The outcome was clear, wasn't it?"

"Spare me the nonsense. At the end of the exam, I admitted defeat to you." he said, his tone tinged with regret.

He had tried to accept the reality of losing to a formidable opponent.

He had even tried to come to terms with Sakayanagi's withdrawal.

But the reality was flipped on its head.

Accepting everything without resistance was too much to ask.

"You gave it your all, made a judgment that the match was decided, and then stepped off the stage. But that was just your premature conclusion. It wasn't the real outcome."

Victory masquerading as defeat, and defeat masquerading as victory—such reversals often occurred in the realm of competition.

"Even so, this situation is different. If it were just between you and me, I might be able to accept it. But this time, Ayanokouji's meddling reversed the outcome. And you expect me to accept that?"

"Whether you accept it or not, the result is what it is. It won't change."

A voice of reason facing off against a defiant one.

"That said—I do understand how you feel, Ryuuen-kun. Not understanding the reason for my defeat would feel like having a thorn stuck in your throat."

In a situation where defeat was 99% certain, the tide had turned.

And without a doubt, it was due to Ayanokouji's words relayed by Ryuuen.

The unsettling feeling stemmed from those words.

Still, it was hard to imagine a mere message completely overturning the result.

"Logically, you could have won. But you took the risk of withdrawal and chose to spare Hashimoto, the traitor. What exactly did Ayanokouji say to make you change your mind?"

Only Ayanokouji or Sakayanagi could provide an answer to that.

"Well, I must admit, leaving you with lingering dissatisfaction sounds rather amusing... But since I promised to answer, I'll tell you."

Sakayanagi smirked, as if mocking herself, recalling the events of the special exam.

It was an expression that, with her back to him, Ryuuen couldn't see.

Perhaps it was a face neither wanted the other to see.

"Through you and Hashimoto-kun, I received a message from Ayanokouji-kun. It was about the future he envisioned."

"…Huh?"

"His remaining time at this school is one year. And in that time, he doesn't wish to face me. If one of us must disappear, he wants to fight Ryuuen Kakeru, not Sakayanagi Arisu."

That was the message Ayanokouji had conveyed to Sakayanagi.

"So you chose to yield, aligning with his wishes? Even going so far as to spare Hashimoto? That's ridiculous."

Hearing the message, he hadn't decided whether to accept it or not—but rage welled up.

His anger wasn't directed at Ayanokouji for interfering; it was at Sakayanagi for her overly naive thinking.

"If I'd heard that message, I would've ignored it, crushed Hashimoto, and then gone after Ayanokouji. No way I'd let him have his way."

"Yes, I imagine you would. You're more straightforward than you realize."

"Hah?"

"Indeed, if the message had been conveyed through a third party rather than you and Hashimoto-kun, I wouldn't have chosen to step down either."

Recalling her conversation with Hashimoto during the year-end special exam, Sakayanagi continued.

"It's precisely because it was a veiled message that I judged the best choice was to grasp its meaning."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Indeed. I think this is probably something only I can understand."

The cryptic explanation made Ryuuen turn his head, frowning.

Even without looking back, Sakayanagi could easily imagine the expression on Ryuuen's face. She allowed herself a faint smile.

"Of course, I didn't accept it entirely at first either. To be honest, I spent half a day in bed before I could come to terms with it."

In other words, it only took her half a day to bounce back.

"Wouldn't it be better for you to fight against that guy, Ayanokouji, rather than me?"

Originally, he didn't want to say such self-deprecating words, but when faced with Sakayanagi's absurd reasoning, Ryuuen couldn't help but speak out.

"I understand. Failing to secure the chance to challenge him yourself must leave you unsatisfied. But even if I had forcibly defeated you back then... no, it's better not to dwell on hypothetical scenarios."

Standing behind her, Ryuuen still couldn't accept the outcome of the match.

At that moment, Sakayanagi realized that Ryuuen's lingering dissatisfaction far exceeded her expectations.

She had assumed that, regardless of the process, Ryuuen would simply revel in his victory.

In this, her assessment had been off.

One thought resonated clearly in Ryuuen's mind: If only I hadn't done things that way.

"Delivering Ayanokouji's message to you was a mistake."

A chuckle escaped Sakayanagi.

"Heh Heh."

"What's so funny? You're the one who threw away your chances because of that message. No one asked that guy to intervene, yet he went ahead and altered the outcome. I should have ignored it all and fought to the end for myself."

"And then lost to me and accepted defeat?"

"Don't decide that for me. If I had used the traitor's privilege effectively, maybe I could've beaten you."

If not for relaying that message, Ryuuen might have used his trump card at his chosen moment.

Although a small advantage, it was a factor he had foregone.

"Fair enough, that's possible. However, even if you had reserved the traitor's privilege and used it strategically, I would still have won."

Not "might have won," but "would have won." Sakayanagi was certain she could have countered Ryuuen's use of the traitor privilege perfectly, no matter when he employed it.

However, this argument clearly became a parallel line where neither side would yield, and it had to be abandoned.

"Right now, you're more dangerous than I expected. Do you think you can beat Ayanokouji-kun like this?"

"Beat him? Of course, I will. That's why I'm standing here now."

"I see. But do you really think you can defeat him in the remaining year?"

"Absolutely."

"Are you serious? But right now, it seems like you're stumbling. I think Ayanokouji-kun would have the same impression if he saw you now."

Normally, hearing such nonsense from Ayanokouji's message would lead to rejection or disdain.

However, Sakayanagi spoke about Ayanokouji with genuine joy.

Although Ryuuen didn't know the full details, he at least understood that Sakayanagi's love was genuine. She had an emotion that transcended calculations of benefit.

"It's your freedom to admire Ayanokouji all you want, but it still pisses me off."

"Annoyed, are you? From earlier, everything you've said has been nothing but pretentious talk. Isn't your moto to do whatever it takes? The fact that you couldn't even ignore Ayanokouji-kun's manipulation and ended up being used as his messenger only proves that your abilities are lacking. Similarly, the fact that I accepted defeat after understanding his message is just because my abilities were insufficient. Isn't that all there is to it?"

In terms of results, Ryuuen was the victor, but at this moment, it seemed that Sakayanagi, as the loser, was more at peace with the situation.

This contrast particularly irritated Ryuuen.

He understood the real reason for his irritation. Sakayanagi's words were correct.

"Don't mistake him for some saint. The root of Ayanokouji-kun's actions lies in self-interest. As long as it benefits him, others are nothing more than disposable pawns. Perhaps in this regard, Ryuuen-kun and I share some similarities, but compared to him, we are nowhere close. Ayanokouji-kun's approach is pure, entirely genuine. Moreover, he will continue to evolve within this school. He has found his purpose. For this purpose, he can harm anyone, expel anyone, and calmly manipulate others' victories and defeats. This is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Literally, he uses everything he can. Whether it's someone's fleeting feelings of love or special relationships, it's all just a tool for his own use."

One-on-one. Fair and square. Even though the parties involved had decided so, Ayanokouji, who wasn't part of the situation, was free to act however he pleased. In fact, Ryuuen himself had always fought according to his own will up until now.

Yet even in a field where he excelled, Ayanokouji could effortlessly surpass him.

It was maddeningly perfect—flawless, clean, and efficient execution.

"Hah... To put so much emotion into a lunatic like him—honestly, I've got to hand it to you."

"I can proudly say that no one's feelings for Ayanokouji-kun surpass mine."

Sakayanagi spoke as if showing off a treasured toy, a hint of a smug smile appearing on her face.

"I get it—that feeling of frustration."

Those words were directed at Ryuuen, but in part, they were also meant for herself.

She couldn't entirely dismiss the possibility that Ayanokouji had paid some special attention to her.

Of course, Ayanokouji had also considered a future where Sakayanagi emerged victorious.

He had accounted for all possibilities, preparing responses for any scenario that could unfold.

"He foresaw everything, including this outcome. If there was any miscalculation, it might be that he didn't expect you to fall apart over something this minor, to the point of losing even the fangs you use to fight."

Sakayanagi smiled at Ryuuen over her shoulder, as if to say, "Surely you're not that weak, are you?"

"I..."

"If you truly have lost your fangs, then perhaps for the first time, Ayanokouji-kun might change his mind and think, 'The one who belongs on the battlefield isn't you, but me.'"

Even though he kept telling himself he hadn't lost his fighting spirit, Ryuuen couldn't deny the truth of this blunted edge he felt.

Sakayanagi keenly noticed Ryuuen's current emotions, and she felt a sense of envy, openly admitting it.

"It's a shame, after all, that I won't get to watch Ayanokouji-kun's actions from a front-row seat."

"If that's how you feel, shouldn't you be bowing your head to me right now, begging me to let you stay?"

In reality, Sakayanagi's expulsion had yet to be finalized.

"Unfortunately, that's not what I'm planning to do. My bags are packed. And for me, this experience has been a great learning opportunity. It has also opened up new perspectives for me."

In contrast to the troubled Ryuuen, Sakayanagi had already prepared herself to take a new step forward.

"That's truly a shame. If you're willing to bow your head to the ground and apologize, I might consider talking to the school about invalidating this bet, you know?"

"Such undignified behavior is out of the question."

Sakayanagi's attitude was resolute and unwavering.

"To be honest, it's quite surprising. From the moment we met, you were provoking me. I thought you'd be pleased with this outcome."

Sakayanagi spoke with a slightly regretful smile.

"The end-of-year special exam was an exception. I've always thought that way."

His initial resolve remained unchanged. From the start to the end, Ryuuen had intended to defeat Sakayanagi in a head-on confrontation.

It was precisely because he was confident he could defeat Sakayanagi that his confidence was unshakable.

However, Sakayanagi had also defeated Ryuuen head-on.

Even with his defeat sealed, Ryuuen felt more satisfaction with the process than regret.

"How am I supposed to make sense of this feeling? It's the first time I've felt this way. A victory is a victory. According to your logic, I should feel happy. I've always lived by that belief... but now I feel confused."

Letting things be would have been the simplest course of action. After all, Sakayanagi wasn't Ryuuen's ally, and this was the natural choice.

Yet, Sakayanagi now sincerely wanted to support Ryuuen.

"Then let me teach you what to do. If you still can't accept the reality of victory, wouldn't it be fine to simply drop out?"

"Huh...?"

"Isn't that the case? If you truly want to lose to me, all you have to do is act. If you voluntarily drop out before me, that would undoubtedly be a defeat."

What Sakayanagi wanted to convey to Ryuuen was that defeat was always within reach—just around the corner, easy to pick up at any moment.

Sakayanagi turned her gaze back to meet Ryuuen's, who was glaring at her through clenched teeth, and smiled.

"Heh Heh, that's indeed my true opinion, albeit worded somewhat sharply."

With a demeanor akin to a mentor, Sakayanagi began guiding the perplexed Ryuuen.

"Engaging with Ayanokouji-kun means you must confront the contradictions within yourself. He is someone who cannot be measured by ordinary standards. If you cannot turn those contradictions into a weapon, you won't stand a chance against him. Even I feel like I've misjudged him."

Sakayanagi's understanding of Ayanokouji was unparalleled, lending her words undeniable weight.

"I was serious when I mentioned dropping out. Ryuuen-kun, you can choose to lose at any time. But you've been lucky enough to win. For that reason, you still have the right to continue fighting. Giving up this right so easily would simply be foolish, wouldn't it?"

Ryuuen had never intended to give up. He was simply confused.

No one desired victory more than Ryuuen, so how could he make such a choice?

"You can only keep fighting relentlessly. Hold on tightly and never let go. It's the only way to gain something. Sooner or later, it will be of help to you. However, I cannot guarantee whether hope or despair awaits you at the end."

At this stage, Ryuuen's strength was no match for Ayanokouji.

No matter how generously he viewed reality, that fact wouldn't change.

"While you struggle, I will eagerly look forward to the day I can face him again."

"...Even if Ayanokouji says you're unnecessary, you still plan to chase after him?"

"Of course. Although I did stop for a moment, my feelings have not changed at all. Do I need to repeat it? To me, Ayanokouji-kun is a special existence."

After a brief silence, Sakayanagi displayed a faint, ambiguous smile.

"Even though you seem weak right now, it appears your spirit isn't entirely broken."

"I've experienced similar humiliation during my time at this school. It's the result of those experiences, I suppose."

Without those experiences, Ryuuen probably wouldn't be standing here today.

In a way, everything had been orchestrated by Ayanokouji.

"Let me give you one crucial piece of advice: you need to understand that there's absolutely no way you can defeat him alone."

"That's your advice? Don't make me laugh."

"You should be well aware of how insurmountable Ayanokouji-kun, that 'human wall,' truly is. Although you've grown during your two years at this school, you can't scale that wall. Your brutality and ferocity might be your weapons, but in Ayanokouji-kun's eyes, they're nothing more than childish tricks. He can face you in your area of expertise without hesitation."

"So what should I do?"

"You need to change your approach and think more flexibly. Defeating someone as nearly flawless as Ayanokouji-kun is almost impossible. A direct confrontation is out of the question, and sneak attacks won't work either. So—I'll create a weakness for him specifically for you."

"You're going to create a weakness for him?"

"Yes. Perhaps it will come in handy someday. No matter how intelligent he is—or rather, precisely because he's so intelligent—unexpected vulnerabilities will emerge."

This advice was Sakayanagi's subtle act of revenge against Ayanokouji, delivered in her own style.

Just as Ayanokouji had manipulated outcomes by employing tactics only someone like him could comprehend, Sakayanagi was confident she could guide his thinking in a similar way.

Once again, Ryuuen felt that Sakayanagi, rather than himself, seemed... The absurdity of this feeling and the words forming in his throat this time were forcibly swallowed.

"It's okay to feel lost for a while. As long as you don't give up, you'll eventually carve out a new path."

"Stop acting like you can read minds. Do you think you're Ayanokouji?"

"That's the highest compliment you could give me, isn't it?"

With that, Sakayanagi lightly tapped the ground with her cane.

"It's about time to wrap this up, don't you think? I have other plans later."

"What do you plan to do after leaving here?"

"I already know Masumi-san's transfer address. I intend to apologize and pay her a visit."

"She'll be shocked to see you."

"Mm—though if it's her, the first thing she'll probably do is sigh."

After speaking, Sakayanagi began walking away.

"See you next time. Until then, please don't disappoint me by dropping out disgracefully."

Sakayanagi and Ryuuen had always maintained an adversarial relationship.

In fact, Ryuuen had treated everyone with the same confrontational attitude.

However, at this moment, he was enveloped by a strange sense of loss.

Through the year-end special exam, Ryuuen had come to acknowledge Sakayanagi—a monumental change.

His opponent—or perhaps he could call her that—was now gone.

From now on, Ryuuen would have to face Ayanokouji alone.

Until Sakayanagi's presence completely disappeared, Ryuuen didn't look back even once.

But soon after, a new question surfaced in his mind.

"Huh?"

He instinctively turned around, but of course, Sakayanagi was no longer there.

"… 'See you next time'? There's no next time for you, is there? Stubborn as ever, huh?"

However, it was meaningless to dwell on someone about to leave the school. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

Focusing on himself, Ryuuen began preparing for the upcoming battles in his third year.

Now that Sakayanagi was gone, whether he liked it or not, he had no choice but to concentrate on his fight with Ayanokouji.

Although his class points had risen significantly and reentered the competitive stage, these points were only superficial.

Unless he could defeat Ayanokouji, the path to Class A would remain blocked.

While the confusion in his heart hadn't completely dissipated, the fog weighing on his mind had gradually thinned.

Ryuuen felt a hint of gratitude toward that reckless little goddess.

He decided, for now, to accept the fact that he was still unqualified.

And then, to spend this year changing that fact—wasn't that it?

"A year? Just a year? Hah… works perfectly for me."

For Ryuuen Kakeru, the most important year of his life was about to begin.