June.

With the rainy season underway gray clouds spread across the sky.

Horikita was gazing outside through the classroom window.

They had managed to get through the midterm exams without relying on past exam questions.

It was a good sign that the class had come together and achieved results different from before.

Class Points had recovered to 200 and the atmosphere was gradually improving.

But she could not relax.

Soon that incident would occur.

Sudo’s assault incident.

Last time this incident dealt a considerable blow to Class D.

Sudo was accused of committing violence against a Class C student and the class was pushed to the brink of defeat.

In the end they somehow overcame it thanks to Ayanokoji’s quick thinking.

But they had spent a great deal of effort reaching that point.

This time she would prevent the incident from happening in the first place.

Stop it before it began.

That was Horikita’s plan.

* * *

One afternoon before the rainy season ended.

Horikita was heading toward the gymnasium.

She intended to observe the basketball club’s practice.

When she entered the gymnasium the sound of basketballs bouncing across the court and shoes scraping the floor echoed loudly.

Club members were moving intensely around the court.

Among them was Sudo.

Red hair.

Tall.

A well-trained body.

Despite being a first-year student he was already close to securing a regular position.

His ability was genuine.

But precisely because he was talented others envied him.

Horikita shifted her gaze.

On the opposite side of the court two male students stood watching.

Komiya and Kondo.

Members of the Class C basketball club.

They were glaring at Sudo.

They made no attempt to hide their hostility.

Last time they provoked Sudo and caused the assault incident.

Everything had been under Ryuen’s instructions but it was likely they also had personal resentment.

Either way Class D had suffered losses as a result.

This time she would not repeat the same mistake.

Practice ended and the club members began to disperse.

Horikita waited until Sudo left the gymnasium.

“Sudo-kun do you have a moment?”

She called out.

Sudo turned around with a suspicious expression.

“Huh? What do you want Horikita?”

“I need to talk to you. Do you have time?”

“What a pain... well I guess a little time is fine.”

The two moved behind the gymnasium.

After confirming there was no one around, Horikita began speaking.

“Sudo-kun there’s a possibility that a Class C student will try to pick a fight with you tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

Sudo frowned.

“How would you know that?”

“…There are rumors that a man named Ryuen from Class C is targeting you.”

“Ryuen? Who’s that?”

“The leader of Class C. He’s a dangerous man.”

Horikita continued carefully choosing her words.

“You’re already close to becoming a regular member of the basketball club even as a first-year right? That means members of Class C’s basketball club resent you. You know Komiya-kun and Kondo-kun of course.”

Sudo’s expression changed.

“…Yeah. Those guys.”

“They don’t like you. During practice they were glaring at you the whole time.”

“I know that much. Those guys are always picking at me.”

“So be careful. Even if they provoke you tomorrow, don't strike them.”

Sudo stared at Horikita.

“Why do you care so much?”

“We’re in the same class aren’t we? I can’t ignore a classmate who might get dragged into unnecessary trouble.”

Sudo looked slightly surprised.

“You’re worried about me?”

“It’s for the class. Not personal feelings.”

“…Hmph. You still have a harsh way of saying things.”

Sudo snorted.

But there was no hostility on his face.

“Fine. I’ll be careful.”

“Really? Even if they provoke you, you won’t hit them?”

“Yeah. I promise.”

Sudo nodded with serious eyes.

Horikita felt a small sense of relief.

Compared to before they had built more trust.

That was why Sudo listened honestly.

“Thank you Sudo-kun.”

“No need to thank me... see you.”

Sudo waved his hand and walked away.

Watching his back Horikita thought:

'That clears the first hurdle. Now I just have to get through tomorrow.'

* * *

The next day.

Horikita had been tense since morning.

The incident was supposed to happen today.

According to her memories it happened after school when Sudo argued with Class C students near the special building.

After being provoked Sudo struck them and was accused of violence.

This time she had warned him in advance.

If he kept his promise the incident should not occur.

But her anxiety remained.

Sudo had a short temper.

Even with warnings he might act on impulse in the moment.

So Horikita decided to confirm things with her own eyes.

After school.

Horikita waited near the scene.

She hid behind a corner and watched.

After a while Sudo approached.

He was alone.

Probably on his way to club activities.

And just as expected—

“Hey Sudo.”

A voice called out.

Three male students stood in front of him.

Komiya.

Kondo.

And one more.

Ishizaki from Class C.

“What do you guys want?”

Sudo asked cautiously.

“We just want to talk.”

Komiya smiled unpleasantly.

“You’ve been getting cocky lately haven’t you? A first-year becoming a regular? Don’t make me laugh.”

“Huh? I earned it with skill. Got a problem with that?”

“A problem? Of course I do.”

Kondo stepped forward.

“A violent guy like you is a disgrace to the basketball club.”

“What did you say!”

Sudo clenched his fists.

Horikita held her breath.

This was bad.

Sudo’s anger was nearing its limit.

“What’s wrong? Want to hit me? Go ahead you savage.”

Komiya provoked him further.

“A dumb guy like you can only solve things with violence right? Just drop out already you piece of trash.”

Sudo’s body trembled.

His anger was about to overflow.

Horikita was about to jump out.

But before she could—

“…Nah I’ll pass.”

Sudo lowered his fist.

“Huh?”

Komiya blinked in confusion.

“I’m not going to dirty my hands on losers like you. It’s a waste of time.”

Sudo turned his back.

And began walking away from the three of them.

“H-hey! Are you running away!?”

Kondo shouted.

But Sudo did not turn around.

“Say whatever you want. I’m going to practice.”

He walked off.

The three Class C students stood there stunned.

Their plan had failed.

Horikita exhaled in relief behind her hiding place.

'We did it… the incident was prevented.'

Sudo had kept his promise.

Even when provoked he did not strike them.

Now the assault incident would not happen.

She had changed history.

But—

At that moment Horikita felt someone watching her.

She turned around.

From a window of the school building someone was looking down.

Kakeru Ryuen.

The ruler of Class C was staring at her.

A fearless smile appeared on his lips.

As if he were saying 'Well, well that’s interesting.'

A chill ran down Horikita’s spine.

Ryuen had seen everything.

He had seen Sudo refusing the provocation.

And he had seen Horikita watching from the shadows.

“…This is bad.”

Horikita murmured.

The incident had been prevented.

But a new problem appeared instead.

Ryuen had recognized Horikita as someone worth monitoring.

That man must now be certain Horikita knew something.

Otherwise she would not have been there.

From now on Ryuen would persistently investigate her movements.

He would try to expose Horikita’s 'secret.'

That would be extremely troublesome.

On the other side of the window Ryuen smiled.

A ferocious smile like a beast.

Horikita met his gaze.

She did not run.

She did not look away.

The battle with Ryuen was about to begin.