It’s a beautiful time to be a Classroom of the Elite fan, as the anime has just concluded its season 3. Audiences were able to discover more about the most defective student of Year 1 Class D, i.e., Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. Whether it’s physical altercations or directing his class to victories that earn class points, Ayanokoji is always leading the way behind the scenes. At this point, audiences wonder what his limit is. And who can even go head-to-head with him? It’s safe to say Ryuuen Kakeru and his minions are off the list for now. But what about Koenji? All fingers point to the one man who has faced Ayanokoji and got one over him. Yes, its Horikita Manabu.
Ayanokoji and Manabu’s dynamics in the Classroom of the Elite
Horikita Manabu is a well-known student at Advanced Nurturing High School. He is the student council president, the leader of Year 3 Class A, and the older brother of Horikita Suzune. He also holds the honor of being the first student to witness Ayanokoji’s hidden potential.
While having a less-than-ideal reunion with his sister, Manabu was interrupted by an unintentional eavesdropper. He was taken by surprise when this eavesdropper nimbly avoided his attacks. He later discovered that this student was Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, the same student who consistently scored 50 throughout the entrance exams. Manabu makes it clear that he had his eye on him before they even met.
Fast forward a few months, and both greet each other as the final participants in a relay race, with class points at stake, and it is here that the protagonist decides to entertain the student council president by going all out in their race. Though Manabu had the opportunity to win by a comfortable margin, he decided to let it go through for the sake of a fair confrontation with his rival, Ayanokoji. At the end of the event, he managed to overtake everyone and finish ahead of Ayanokoji.
Is Ayanokoji stronger than Horikita Manabu?
Though Ayanokoji was able to make light work of the rebels in the form of Ryuuen Kakeru, one of the most vital students in his year, he still is wary of Manabu Horikita. He is one of the few people he genuinely respects. He acknowledges the strength and wisdom Manabu holds, which he has gained through rigorous practice over time. Manabu is proficient in both Karate and Aikido and is highly proficient in both combat sports. Apart from that, he is the top student of his year. Defending the top spot is no easy feat, and that itself is an indication of why he is a worthy opponent of Ayanokoji.
On the other hand, the mystery around Ayanokoji has yet to be totally uncovered, as he has barely shown what he is truly capable of. Based on their previous face-offs, it’s quite hard to declare an outright winner. Whoever it may be, it is safe to say that it will not be a one-sided battle for either one of them.
