Chapter 43 The Fragmented Class-D

"Bang..."

In a clear sound, Sudou Ken accurately caught the object thrown by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

It was a basketball.

Moreover, it was the basketball that Sudou Ken himself often used, to the extent that he brought it to the classroom.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka threw the basketball towards Sudou Ken, causing him to stop and catch it.

Sudou Ken maintained his posture of catching the basketball and stood still.

"————"

The entire classroom suddenly became silent.

Everyone looked at the motionless Sudou Ken, at a loss.

Who would have thought?

Sudou Ken, who could push aside Kushida Kikyou mercilessly even when she blocked his way and fall into a state of rage, actually stopped because of a basketball.

Therefore, everyone could only look at each other, completely unaware of the current situation.

Only Fang Li remained indifferent to the surrounding situation and spoke to Kushida Kikyou who had not yet reacted in his arms.

"Are you okay?"

At Fang Li's words, Kushida Kikyou reacted.

"I...I'm fine." Kushida Kikyou breathed a sigh of relief and subconsciously thanked Fang Li, "Thank you, Nanaya-san."

"It's just a small matter." Fang Li did not behave differently just because he held a beautiful girl in his arms. His tone was still calm and he even let go of the girl without a trace of hesitation.

With this as a turning point, the silent atmosphere in the class was also broken.

"Have you calmed down, Sudou?"

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka made this inquiry in a probing tone, despite showing no signs of fluctuation in his expression.

"Ayanokouji..."

Sudou Ken glared at Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, holding the basketball tightly in his arms.

However, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka seemed not to have noticed and kept his gaze on Sudou Ken.

"This is your basketball, right?" Ayanokouji Kiyotaka asked, "I remember you said before that you dreamt of becoming a professional basketball player."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's words surprised everyone in the class.

"A professional..."

"Basketball player?"

All eyes turned to Sudou Ken.

It was probably something that no one could have expected from him.

Sudou Ken, who was idle and had no other strengths besides fighting, had such a dream. How could it not be surprising?

However, if this was true, it was not difficult to imagine why Sudou Ken, who was prone to outbursts, stopped for a basketball.

Because it was his only obsession and pride.

And it seemed that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had perfectly grasped this point.

"I heard that even though you just joined the basketball club, because of your outstanding performance, you have already caught the attention of the club advisor. If you continue to perform like this, even as a first-year student, you should be promoted to a formal player immediately, right?"

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka gently reminded him.

"But if you make violent moves here, you will immediately receive punishment and it is likely that you will be expelled from school. Does that not matter to you?"

If it really comes to that, Sudou Ken's dream will be shattered.

If Sudou Ken's dream is really to become a professional basketball player, then staying at this school is definitely the most likely way to achieve his dream. Even if he does not move up to Class A and does not have a guarantee of further education or employment, this school is still a talent development institution led by the state, and each club has its own significance.

Wasn't it mentioned at the club recruitment meeting earlier that many of the school's clubs have produced famous players, including national-level players?

So, only by continuing to stay at this school and shining in the basketball club, can Sudou Ken achieve his dream in the shortest way.

If he leaves this school, it will be much more difficult for Sudou Ken to realize his dream.

"So, the most troublesome thing will be you, Sudou," Ayanokouji Kiyotaka advised in a low-key manner. "Can you calm down here?"

"Umm..." Sudou Ken seemed to be touched on a sore spot, gritted his teeth and said, "Anyway, I'm going to be expelled, so..."

Unfortunately, he was interrupted by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka before he could finish his sentence.

"The results are not out yet, and we don't know the outcome yet, right?"

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka delivered the final blow.

"If you are lucky enough to pass the exam, but are expelled for violent behavior here, then you will regret it, won't you?"

This sentence finally made Sudou Ken unable to get angry anymore.

"Tsk...!"

Sudou Ken could only click his tongue, holding the basketball, as if he wanted to ignore Horikita Suzune completely, and picked up his schoolbag from the overturned desk without paying any attention to the textbooks scattered on the ground. He left the classroom directly.

"Sudou!"

"Wait!"

Although Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki, who were affected by Sudou Ken's violent behavior, looked a bit resentful, as the most in danger members of this mid-term exam, after hesitating for a moment, the two still quickly followed him.

The hostile atmosphere in the classroom had just started to ease.

However, the heavy air didn't dissipate entirely.

"Are you okay, Yousuke?"

"I'm fine."

Karuizawa Kei gently helped Hirata Yousuke up and expressed her concern, but Hirata Yousuke just shook his head.

Other classmates gathered around Hirata Yousuke to show their support.

"Sudou was really out of line."

"Poor Hirata did nothing wrong."

"Plus, he's always been concerned about Sudou."

"I can't believe he would do something like this."

"He's so despicable."

The students voiced their grievances, causing Hirata Yousuke to smile bitterly.

On the other hand, Kushida Kikyou hesitated before approaching Horikita Suzune and saying:

"Horikita-san, your words earlier were also out of line. If it weren't for Ayanokouji-san, you don't know what Sudou-san would have done to you."

However, Kushida Kikyou's words didn't make Horikita Suzune regret anything.

"I don't think there was anything wrong with what I said. I just spoke the truth." Horikita Suzune remained strong from beginning to end and said, "Besides, your words are incorrect. Even if Ayanokouji didn't intervene, I would have subdued anyone who used violence against me."

From Horikita Suzune's tone, it was evident that she was serious.

In other words, Horikita Suzune didn't think she was powerless against Sudou Ken.

Fang Li could sense something from Horikita Suzune's demeanor.

"I'm afraid this girl has martial arts experience."

Horikita Suzune may have studied judo, karate, taekwondo, or aikido.

If that were the case, Sudou Ken, who was only good at fighting, might not be a match for her.

"Anyway, I don't think I should be criticized for what I just said." Horikita Suzune made this statement and then picked up her backpack and left the classroom.

The classmates watched this scene and also expressed their grievances.

"What is this..."

"Does she really think she's so great?"

"If she hadn't said anything unnecessary, things wouldn't have turned out this way..."

"That's right..."

The girls glared at Horikita Suzune's back with disgust.

The atmosphere in Class D suddenly became chaotic, like a swamp.

Fang Li watched everything coldly.

And, he thought to himself:

"Indeed, the future of this class is bleak..."