A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1511 - 1020: Catfish_2

Chapter 1511: Chapter 1020: Catfish_2

Unexpectedly, he chose to make his move at this moment!

Nakagawa Natsuki could easily imagine the consequences with just a bit of thought. She knew many of the members who had quit, and had a clear understanding of their skills. To be blunt, Nakagawa Natsuki believed that several of them were far stronger than some of the current third-year members of the Wind Band Club.

Just as Duanmu Huai had said, it was precisely because they were skilled that they were confident and wanted to compete in the tournament to prove themselves. Even though they had been out of the club for a year, as long as they hadn’t let their talents rust, their abilities were enough to overshadow some of the senior third-years.

From a purely skill-based perspective, Nakagawa Natsuki agreed this could elevate the Wind Band Club’s overall capabilities.

But from a relationship standpoint... she was certain that those third-year seniors would absolutely not take it lying down.

When that time came, wouldn’t the Wind Band Club turn into complete chaos...

This was pure psychological warfare, wasn’t it?

But sadly, this wasn’t something Nakagawa Natsuki could decide.

And the Hell began during the after-school club activities.

Once everyone in the Wind Band Club had taken their seats, Duanmu Huai unexpectedly stepped up to the podium—this sight caught many off guard since the usual conductor at this time should be Teacher Long. What was Teacher Duanmu doing here?

"Oh, before we begin today’s club activity, there’s something I need to announce."

As he spoke, Duanmu Huai gestured toward the door.

"Alright, come in."

Following Duanmu Huai’s words, the door to the music room swung open, and several female students walked in. As soon as their figures appeared, many second- and third-years were visibly shocked. Club president Ogata Haruka was utterly stunned, her face a picture of confusion, and the other members didn’t look any better.

Only the first-years were slightly surprised, though they sensibly kept quiet. Observing the complex expressions on the faces of the Wind Band Club members, Duanmu Huai smirked wickedly.

"I think many of you probably recognize them. That’s right—these are the members who quit the Wind Band Club back then. I’ve brought them back! And they’ll also be participating in the selection trials!"

"W-Why?! Teacher Duanmu?!"

A third-year screamed in disbelief upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s announcement. The shock of the news seemed to have left the entire club in a state of confusion.

"It’s simple. Last year, they wanted to participate in competitions and tried hard to practice, but they clashed with the third-years who were accustomed to slacking off. That’s why they quit in anger. This year, our goal is the national tournament. So why not bring them back? I’ve already talked to them—this year’s goal for the Wind Band Club is the national competition. If they haven’t given up on their dreams, they can come back and contribute to the club."

At this point, Duanmu Huai let out a cold laugh.

"As for why I’m doing this... It’s simple. You were all still arguing yesterday about seniority, weren’t you? Well, clearly you’ve got too much free time on your hands. It’s about time I kept you busy. If you’re truly skilled, you shouldn’t lose to members who’ve been out of practice for a year, right? On the other hand, if you can’t even match the standard of those who quit last year, then why should you go on stage? To waste time?"

Duanmu Huai slammed his hand fiercely against the desk, startling everyone into silence. The members below were as quiet as mice, not daring to make a sound.

"Let me say this one more time: since our goal is the national competition, it’s simple—those with ability rise, those without step down! Whoever dares bring up nonsense about higher years versus lower years, seniors versus juniors in front of me—leave, the door’s right there!"

".........."

"Any questions?"

"........."

"Say something! Did you lose your voice?!"

"No questions!"

"Alright, that’s that then."

After finishing his speech, Duanmu Huai stepped down from the podium, and practice resumed shortly after.

As expected, the quality of the practice session was abysmal. It was evident that Duanmu Huai’s words had unsettled many of the Wind Band Club members. Setting aside emotions, the fact that nearly ten people had returned meant that an equivalent number would be eliminated. If the returning members were the ones eliminated, it might be acceptable. But if the returning members made the cut while the current ones didn’t...

At this thought, many had lost the will to practice.

Seeing this, Duanmu Huai nodded in satisfaction.

It seemed like bringing in these "catalysts" wasn’t a wasted effort after all.

Despite the disastrous practice session, Teacher Long seemed to have anticipated this and merely offered standard guidance before ending the session and leaving the music room. Duanmu Huai, too, was about to leave when suddenly a sharp scream came from behind him.

"Yuki!"

"Hmm?"

Hearing the scream, Duanmu Huai turned his head to see a girl hastily fleeing her seat, almost stumbling as she bolted toward the classroom door. Behind her, another girl with a single black ponytail was chasing closely.

"What’s going on?"

As the fleeing girl was about to run out, Duanmu Huai extended a hand and grabbed her like a kitten, lifting her up. The girl let out another scream, and when she turned her head to see it was Duanmu Huai, she shrank back in fear.

"I think your name’s Kai, Kai something..."

Looking at the deep blue-haired girl before him, Duanmu Huai frowned. He knew all the club members’ names, but hers was particularly troublesome—a name that gave off the vibe of parents choosing obscure characters deliberately for attention. He could recognize her family name as Kai’Zhong, but the rest... what was it pronounced again?

"Yuki———!"

At this moment, the ponytailed girl ran up. Duanmu Huai remembered her; this high-ponytail girl was Usamaki Nozomi, one of the ex-members who had quit the club. She seemed quite reputable among the others. Judging by her behavior, she seemed to have some connection with this Kai’Zhong girl.

"What’s all this about?"

"I-I don’t know either... Teacher."

Faced with Duanmu Huai’s inquiry, Usamaki Nozomi shook her head.

"I saw Yuki and wanted to greet her, but she suddenly..."

".........."

The girl being held up didn’t speak. She merely turned her face away while large tears rolled ceaselessly down her cheeks.

"This doesn’t look like ’nothing happened’ to me."

Duanmu Huai snorted.

"Alright, this isn’t the place to discuss this. Let’s move somewhere else."

After all, he had brought her back, and if something went wrong on the first day, it wouldn’t look good for him either, would it?