Chapter 26 - Leadership Time

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A/N: Underline conversations mean that they are spoken in English and not Japanese

At Kunugi-Kaze Cafe...

Nagisa, Maehara, Kayano, Kataoka and Okajima sat at one of the tables, watching one of the waiters intently. Not even trying to be subtle. And that waiter was none other than Isogai.

" What a man! " Kayano exclaimed as they watched Isogai walk past their table just as the bell rang, signalling that a customer had entered.

" Welcome! Ah, it's good to see you back, Harada-san, Ito-san! " Isogai smiled charmingly at the two middle-aged women who stood at the entrance.

" How are you, Yuma-chan? " one of them asked with a wide smile.

" We come here more for you than the coffee. " the other said cheekily.

" Oh please don't say that. We don't want the owner to be after my head, now do you? " Isogai chuckled, " So a mocha for Harada-san and a double expresso for Ito-san? "

" Our manager's special today is a chiffon cake. Would you like some? " Isogai asked.

" Hai, we'll take two! "

" Thank you very much. " he bowed.

" Our leader really is the man of men. " Maehara taunted as Isogai walked past them.

" I could kill him. " Okajima growled.

" You're really making that one cup of tea last, huh. " Isogai stated as he stopped by their table.

" And why not? We are keeping your job a secret, you know. " Maehara smirked.

" I see, I see. A shakedown, huh? " Isogai winked at them while putting a finger to his lips in a 'shh' motion, " If you get a second round, it'll be on me. "

" What a man! " Nagisa and Kayano swooned.

Isogai was then seen carrying two trays stacked with several plates, utensils, tea cups and glasses with ease while walking down the aisle.

" Carrying that all at once? What a man! " Kataoka and Okajima gasped.

" Again? Your mom's feeling unwell? " Ito asked worriedly.

" Yes, well, it's just us two so I have to help her out with the bills. " Isogai winked at them with a smile.

" WHAT A MAN! "

" Being poor is his only flaw and yet, he still manages to make it into an ikemen advantage. " Maehara sighed, " He wears his bargain-basement clothes so neat and clean, they don't even look as cheap as they were sold. "

" What a man! "

" He let me eat some of the goldfish he caught at the summer festival and man, he can really cook ups mean goldfish! "

" What a man! "

" And after he uses the bathroom? " Maehara added, " The toilet paper was folded into a triangle. "

" What a man! " Kayano and Kataoka swooned.

" Ah, I fold toilet paper into a triangle too! " Okajima spoke up.

" Disgusting! " Kayano and Kataoka blanched,

" Just look at him! Women just showering him with compliments and praise. " Maehara shook his head t the sight.

" Oh, that happens to me too in my neighbourhood. " Nagisa sweat dropped.

" SHAPE UP! " the two girls retorted.

" He's still getting love letters from girls on the main campus. "

" What a man! "

" Uh, I do...too... " Kataoka said shyly.

" Forbidden love! "

" Some things only suit cool guys like Isogai and me. " Koro-sensei butted in.

" What a--WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? " the students yelled.

" The honey toast they serve here is absolutely divine! It's why I turned a blind eye to his job. " Koro-sensei ate a spoonful of his food, " You guys don't seem to be upset about Isogai being such a man among men. "

" Us? No. " the students answered.

" Why is that? " Koro-sensei questioned.

" Why? He's a good guy after all. We don't really need a reason? " Maehara answered as the others nodded.

The bell rang once again.

" Welcome! Ah, Karma, Asuna! " Isogai greeted warmly.

" Hello, Isogai~ " Asuna waved excitedly.

" Yo. " Karma acknowledged him with a nod.

" Is it your usual order? " Isogai asked.

" Yup! With a plate of your special for today! " Asuna nodded happily.

" Thank you very much. " Isogai smiled as the couple took a seat.

" Eh, Nagisa? " Karma blinked in surprise at seeing his classmates and Koro-sensei in this cafe.

" What are all of you doing here? It's unusual. " Asuna asked.

" Well, we heard Isogai had a job here and we were observing. " Nagisa chuckled nervously.

" Do you guys come here often? " Kayano wondered, " Isogai asked if you were having your usual order after all. "

" Mhm! This is one of our common date spots! " Asuna announced with a peace sign and a wide smile across her lips.

" Asuna was really raving about this cafe and dragged me here to try out their signature apple pie and that's when we found out Isogai was working here. Not long after, Koro-sensei came along too. " Karma explained.

" Karma-kun, you don't eat lots of sweets though. " Nagisa pointed out.

" They actually serve some dishes like pasta and ribs here which are pretty good so it's pretty worth it coming here. " Karma shrugged.

" So this is where you get your pictures of all those good food! " Kayano exclaimed in realisation.

" Pictures? "

" Heheh, I sometimes post pictures of the food from this cafe on my social media account and everyone kept asking me for the location but I kept quiet about it cause Isogai would be affected if more students came in. " Asuna explained.

" And I'm thankful for that. " Isogai said gratefully as he placed down their order.

A glass of mocha frappuccino with two curry puffs, a banana muffin and a slice of chiffon cake with fruits on the side for Asuna. For Karma, a plate of ribs with barbecue sauce with a salad and mash potatoes as the side along with an iced americano.

" Woah! That looks so good! " the students exclaimed at the lavish food for Asuna and Karma.

" You guys haven't tried their food out? What a waste! You should really order something, their food isn't something you should miss out on! " Asuna frowned.

Just then, the bell rang again.

" Welcome! " Isogai smiled but stopped in his tracks when he realised who exactly entered the establishment.

The Big Five.

" Oh! What do we have here? So the information we received was right. There is a student working here! " Araki exclaimed in mock surprise.

" What a naughty boy you are, Isogai-kun! " Seo mocked.

" This is your second major violation of the school rules. " Gakushuu stated as he smirked, " I expected better from you, Isogai-kun. "
*
The two groups were now outside of the cafe so as to not cause a disturbance inside.

" The last time we found out about your job, you were demoted to the E class. It seems you didn't reflect on your actions. " Gakushuu sighed.

" Can't you keep this quiet, Asano? Working this month only will help me gather all the money I need. " Isogai pleaded.

" I would give you a chance, if I could. " Gakushuu place a finger on his chin as he acted as if he was thinking.

" Geh, he looks exactly like the principal with that pose. " Asuna muttered as she and Karma were watching the exchange between the two groups while eating.

" He's up to no good, that's for sure. He's only a splitting image of the principal if he's scheming something. " Karma stated as he fed himself a spoonful of mashed potatoes.

" Alright, but on one condition. " Gakushuu finally spoke up, " You have to show me your fighting spirit. "

" My fighting spirit? " Isogai repeated in confusion.

" As per the school tradition, those who possess a fighting spirit out in society are revered above all else. A fighting spirit that garners enough respect to nullify a conduct violation. And to show it... "
*
" Pole toppling at the sports festival? " Sugino repeated in surprise.

" Yeah, if we can win against the A class, they'll let Isogai get away with his job. " Maehara nodded as the only ones in the classroom were the male students as the event only allows male participants.

" Tsk, they're definitely intent on embarrassing us. " Terasaka clicked his tongue.

" What should we do? If we decline, Isogai would be penalised again. Mess this up and he might even get expelled. " Sugino groaned.

" You don't have to. " Isogai spoke up, " You never know what Asano has up his sleeve. Besides, I'm the one who created this mess. I'll take responsibility for it. "

Isogai reassured them, " They can expel me for all I care! I'm sure I can still pull off an assassination attempt outside of school grounds. "

" What a...horrible idea! " the class protested as they began throwing small objects at him.

" Quit acting so self-satisfied, you cowlicked beggar! " Terasaka shouted.

" Cowlicked beggar?! " Isogai flinched in surprise.

" Don't overthink this, Isogai. " Maehara smirked as he held up an anti-sensei knife and stabbed it on top of his table, " We just need to beat those nerds at pole-toppling, right? It'll be a piece of cake! "

" We're practically lucky you got caught working. " Mimura said as he placed his hand on the knife along with Maehara's.

" This is our chance to get revenge for all of their insults. " Terasaka added.

" Why stop at toppling when we can destroy them? " Yoshida smirked.

" Right, ikemen? " Sugino winked.

" You guys... " Isogai trailed off, touched as the rest all gathered around his desk.

" Yosh, let's do this! "

" Yeah! "

Koro-sensei smiled at the sight from the door.

'This is how it usually goes : putting class harmony first above his own needs. It all amounts to personal magnetism, the most essential attribute of a leader' Koro-sensei thought as he wrung his tentacles together.

" Now, perhaps a fellow man among men could lend a hand! " Koro-sensei said giddily as he entered the classroom, leaving Karasuma at the door.

'Pole-toppling, huh? We did that plenty of times in the academy. That's no assassination--it's a full out war. The difference in team size can be a huge handicap. They're well-trained but can they actually beat a team that's nearly twice as big?' Karasuma thought worriedly.
*
On the day of the sports festival...

Kimura was competing in a 500m dash race.

" Wow! Sugoi, Kimura-kun! Smile bigger now! That's it, Justice! " Koro-sensei cheered as he wore a magenta tracksuit and a green cloth over him as a disguise while fluttering about, taking pictures of his students.

Hara was participating in an obstacle course for girls. She panted before her eyes locked on the bread hung on a bar where other girls were struggling. She made a run for it and jumped, clutching the bread with her mouth and swallowing it at once.

" Bread is for drinking. " Hara shrugged as she crossed the finishing line in a relaxed manner.

'So cool!' the class thought.

" Indeed, assassination has improved your physical fitness, balance, kinetic vision and a sense of distance. " Koro-sensei hummed as he continued taking pictures, " This event will definitely have you all showing them off. "

Maehara and Okano wer bickering with one another while running together in a 3-legged race.

" Look at how fast that runt is crawling through the net! "

" Her body's got no resistance! "

Kayano was also on another obstacle course, crawling under the net faster than other girls.

" Each student's individuality will be their weapon. It's up to you how best to use that in pole-toppling, Isogai-kun. What is it? " Koro-sensei asked, concerned as he saw Isogai's worried face before he closed the notebook he was reading.

" No matter what other people say, Asano is amazing. I don't think I'm a match for him. " Isogai frowned.

" It's true that no matter how talented you are, once you're out in the world, there will always be someone better. Like he is. " Koro-sensei nodded.

" What should I do now? Everyone might get hurt because of me.. "

" The thing is, out in the world, one person only has so much power. " Koro-sensei held up the camera as the others gathered around Isogai, posing, " The power to command allies into battle : that's where you beat Asano-kun. If you find yourself in a pinch, everyone will fight with you. That's your personal magnetism. "

Koro-sensei wrapped the white headband around Isogai's head.

" As for me, I'm glad I got to be your teacher instead of Asano-kun. " Koro-sensei added with a gentle tone.

Isogai closed his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and shouted, " Alright, minna! Let's go into this with guns blazing as always! "

" Yeah! "

" Now announcing the winner for the martial arts tournament, Kawasaki Asuna from class 3-E! "

" EH?! " the boys stopped momentarily as they saw Asuna receive the trophy, all smiles before she stared down at her opponents menacingly.

" You're 100 years too early to defeat me. " Asuna announced before she stuck out her tongue at the bruised opponents who lay defeated on the ground.

" Good job, Asuna! " Karma called out.

" HAI~ " Asuna waved at Karma happily.

" Those poor souls... " the rest of the boys pitied Asuna's opponents.
*
" Now, it's time for an exhibition match! Seems like the E class has challenged the A class to a battle! " Araki declared from the broadcasting booth, " The Kunugigaoka elites shall give them hell! "

" HAH?! Since when did we have foreigners in the school?! " Asuna asked in shock as the A class lineup of participants included several buff foreigners, all of them wearing red helmets.

" That's got to be against the rules! " Okajima protested.

" For the spirit of cultural exchange, this exhibition match will involve all of our exchange students! " Araki announced.

" That Asano is being too careful. Is he that desperate to win? " Maehara grumbled under his breath.

" Hah, what will the E class do now? " one of the students from class D scoffed.

The two classes got ready in their positions.

'If the E class wants to win with so little members, they'll have to abandon defence and charge in for the attack. But, they'll only be crushed by our ironclad defence' Gakushuu smirked as A class students mixed with the foreign students were stationed to be on the defence.

" Hey, do they even want to win? No one's on the offence! " Seo pointed out.

True to his word, all of the E class had this rbakcs against the pole, ensuring it is rooted to the ground with no chance of being toppled over with Isogai at the top.

Initial E Class Formation : Absolute Defense Form

" What's with them? They're all going on the defence! " Araki mocked, " Might they be scared by the large skill gap? EEK! "

" Shut up and move over! " Asuna's voice was heard as she snatched the microphone from Araki, " I'll be doing the commentary now! "

" Ignore such useless remarks and let the battle begin! " Asuna declared.

" Karma, your girlfriend is really something. " the E class guys sweat dropped as Karma laughed light-heartedly.

'Bring it on, Asano!' Isogai thought determinedly.

'Trying to lure us out, huh? How naive' Gakushuu thought before he commanded, " Offence team, plan F! "

" Roger! "

One of the groups began advancing towards the E class.

'We're not gonna try to topple the pole. No, we'll use this chance to finally crush you once and for all' Gakushuu thought with an evil lint in his eyes.

" Tsk, here they come! " Sugaya squeaked as their enemies charged at them with a battle cry.

Yoshida and Muramatsu ran to clash with them head on.

" We're not just gonna take this lying down! " Muramtasu shouted as the two gripped onto the American man only to be pushed back by him before being tackled down.

" Two down! They've been flung towards the stands! " Araki announced, delighted.

" What's with your tone, huh? Be more fair you stupid nerd! " Asuna snapped at Araki.

" It's true anyways! Look! " Araki argued.

" I didn't say it wasn't true-- "

'Asuna is really something to be arguing with someone from the Big Five' Nagisa sweat dropped as their argument was being broadcasted.

" T-This is really bad, Koro-sensei! " Kayano exclaimed worriedly, " A tight defence doesn't matter if they'll be picked off one by one! "

" Why don't you fight instead of fighting like a bunch of turtles? " the American looked smug, " Hmph, but you can't understand me, now can you? "

" It's alright, man. " Karma grinned as he taunted in English while the American looked surprise, " Why don't you attack instead of chatting away? "

" YES KARMA! SHOW THEM YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS! " Asuna yelled out.

" And you said to be fair! " Araki retorted.

" Shut up! He's my fiancee! " Asuna snapped.

" Hmph, bring it on! " the group charged at them with a battle cry.

" Now, everyone! Operation : tentacles! " Isogai shouted when the group was near enough.

At that moment, the people at the first line jumped up, having the enemy group under them before landing on them, trapping them.

" Hold them down! "

Itona jumped up and brought the pol to a 45 degree angle to keep the group down as several people held the pole steady and were using their own weight to keep them from escaping like Nagisa.

" What is this?! The E class used the weight of the pole to help them! " Araki shouted in shock, " Now this is intense! They're playing dirty! "

" No, they're not! There's no rule saying they can't use the pole, baka. " Asuna stuck out her tongue.

Araki grew tick marks everywhere.

" Get off of me... " the American groaned as Terasaka growled, " You're not going anywhere! "

'Hmm, a splendid defence. But you have seven men on defence and two are out. We now have even more of an advantage' Gakushuu grinned, " Guerrilla team on both flanks : plan K! "

'There's a gap right in the middle,, if we're going to attack, it needs to be now while their forces are scattered!' Isogai thought.

" Attack team : operation mucus! " Isogai ordered.

" Got it! " Maehara, Okajima, Kimura, Sugino and Karma followed Isogai's lead.

" Hah, they fell into the trap. " Gakushuu let a smirk show on his face as the guerrilla teams turned back and has gotten the attack team of the E class surrounded.

" Oh my! They've chased the E class and are now

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