However, although Shizuka knew why Dekisugi wasn't at school today, she was still somewhat curious.
After all, Dekisugi's daily routine was very regular, and although his physical condition wasn't as strong as Gian's.
He was still considered a healthy type, and shouldn't get sick so easily.
But now that it had already happened, there was no point in thinking so much.
Without Dekisugi, the class monitor who always took the lead, the entire class's cohesion might drop several levels.
Until now, no one had volunteered to raise their hand to be the Centipede Head and organize everyone to participate in training after school.
Seeing this scene of everyone lowering their heads and saying nothing, Mr. Naruseiichiro couldn't help but show a hint of disappointment on his face.
Dekisugi, the top student class monitor, had just taken a leave of absence, and the class's cohesion had already dropped to this level. It was indeed something Mr. Naruseiichiro hadn't expected.
"Gian! Didn't you used to love the Centipede Race? Why don't you give it a try this time?"
Suneo, that little smart aleck, seeing that no one in the class had responded, suddenly smiled and egged Gian on.
Unexpectedly, Gian didn't seem to want to be the Centipede Head at all. Just because of Suneo's words, Gian shot him a terrifying glare.
That look seemed to say:
Oh ho? Are you trying to make things difficult for me, Gian?!
Instantly, sweat beaded on Suneo's forehead. He clamped his mouth shut, not daring to say another word.
Because this scene reminded him of the fear he had once experienced under Gian's control.
"Isn't there anyone else among the classmates who's a bit more enthusiastic…?"
Mr. Naruseiichiro's gaze swept over the students again and again, but still, not a single one of them was willing to step forward and lead everyone in organizing the training.
Actually, there were three excellent students in the class similar to Dekisugi.
One was Dekisugi, the class monitor, but unfortunately, he was on leave today and wasn't around.
The other two were Shizuka and the new transfer student, Lin Feng.
Mr. Naruseiichiro had always been very optimistic about Lin Feng, the transfer student, but as a transfer student, he hadn't been in the class for very long.
Moreover, he probably wasn't very familiar with the other students. It would be a bit difficult to place this task on him.
Therefore, Mr. Naruseiichiro didn't consider giving this difficult task to the new transfer student, Lin Feng, from the start.
As for Shizuka, she was a girl with a gentle and amiable personality.
If she were to organize the students' training, it probably wouldn't be very suitable.
Just when Mr. Naruseiichiro was struggling with who should be Centipede Head.
Suneo had his sights set on Nobita, who was half-asleep on his desk.
Having just been rebuffed by Gian, Suneo decided to find a way to save face with Nobita.
If all else failed, he would just enjoy watching Nobita make a fool of himself.
"Nobita... Nobita"
"The teacher is calling you to answer a question~!"
Suneo deliberately put on a high-pitched voice, speaking to him in a way that only Nobita could hear.
Because Nobita was originally slumped over his desk, half-asleep and in a daze.
So when he heard someone call his name, asking him to stand up and answer the teacher's question, he reflexively raised his hand and stood up.
"Here...!"
Nobita's action successfully caught the attention of Mr. Naruseiichiro, who was searching for a 'target'.
"Oh!"
"Nobita! I didn't expect the person who finally stood up to be you!"
"That's amazing! It's rare for you to take the initiative to take on this responsibility, I'm really touched, teacher!"
"In that case, I'll entrust you with the glorious task of organizing the students to participate in training after school. You must work hard, Nobita!"
"Lead Class 5-2 to victory!"
Nobita, who had just stood up, still dazed, ready to answer the teacher's question, didn't understand what was going on.
His raised right hand was firmly grasped by Mr. Naruseiichiro, who had rushed over.
And then, Mr. Naruseiichiro's words left Nobita even more confused and bewildered.
Even when Mr. Naruseiichiro cheered him on at the end, Nobita still hadn't snapped out of his daze.
"Huh...?"
Seeing Nobita's lost and confused expression, Suneo, the instigator of this whole affair, was already covering his mouth, giggling uncontrollably.
Other classmates who knew what was going on were whispering and snickering below.
Nobita, that unlucky guy, was once again pushed into the spotlight, becoming the laughing stock.
Even Shizuka, beside Lin Feng, touched her forehead, sighed with a very helpless expression.
Nobita, when will this guy ever grow up...
Lin Feng, on the other hand, had a calm expression from start to finish.
With his current physique, he could already crush many international professional athletes.
So no matter what kind of sports competition he participated in, it was as easy as playing casually for Lin Feng.
But the problem now was that this wasn't an individual battle, but a team battle.
To win class honor, they had to gather the strength of everyone.
Mr. Naruseiichiro entrusted such an important matter to Nobita.
I don't know if he was resorting to desperate measures, or just trying anything to save the situation...
Anyway, regardless of the circumstances, Nobita, still in a daze, was tasked with the arduous mission of being Centipede Head.
Even after school let out in the afternoon, Nobita still felt like it wasn't quite real.
"Nobita, are you alright...?"
Perhaps sensing that Nobita's state of mind wasn't quite right, Shizuka, along with Lin Feng, caught up to Nobita after school and asked him with some concern.
"If you feel too much pressure, you can actually..."
"It's okay, I feel great!"
"It's just a group training session for the Centipede Race, no big deal for me!"
"Don't worry, Shizuka. I'll definitely live up to expectations this time and lead everyone to a top ranking!"
Perhaps sensing Shizuka's concern, Nobita, who usually didn't want to appear weak in front of her, forced himself to look confident and puffed out his chest, causing the few small ribs there to make a cracking sound.
His words were also full of energy, making him seem quite reliable.