As exuberant chaos unfolded around him, Hugo remained a little way off, watching the two archrivals bicker. The younger students sure liked to strut their stuff, didn't they? Yusuke and Ren made a boisterous pair, their eternal war so much larger than life that it never failed to snap up random passers-by, and today that included two of Geiru's more obscure faces. Of course, Hugo never attributed his ephemeral reputation to others' dislike or distance, as might the oddball first-years who unconsciously rubbed others the wrong way and found themselves ignored. As eye-catching as Hume was, being a great white sphere with floppy ears and bulbous limbs, the two never attempted to stand out. Plus, Hugo's height and stark look made him seem unapproachable, which sat fine with him, since less contact meant less pressure. This time, though, he'd found himself approached, and as much as he liked his peace and quiet, everyone needed a little variety now and then.

That said, he'd already been considering just leaving the clearing until Fumi opted to storm off, which for some reason hardened Hugo's resolve in the opposite direction. While picking fights just wasn't his thing, the idea of raining on their parade admittedly sounded fun, and he needed the points anyway. Besides, who among them would recognize him as a fourth-year? An opportunity arose when Ren asked if anyone else would volunteer as a captain, so as to bring about a three-for-all. As he considered what to say, however, Hugo's chest tightened. Nothing popped into his head, and the moment was about to pass. After swallowing his spit the wrong way and choking just a touch, Hugo cleared his throat and raised a hand. “I'll do it.”

The declaration elicited a wide-eyed look from Hume. “Are you certain? I thought it odd you'd accept an invitation like this, but to throw down in a frenetic brawl with these folk...” He cast a glance over everyone assembled, energetic fighters all.

A cold feeling, suggesting terrible judgment, threatened to grip Hugo, but he waved off his construct's concern. “What, y-you don't think we can handle it?” Leaning over, he whispered, “Besides, our score's low. We must earn our keep. Just do your thing.” He composed himself and gave the rivals an affirming nod.

Hume, meanwhile, seemed satisfied. Any worry he felt came not at all for his own sake, or even his partner's, physically. If anyone could handle something like this, albeit most likely in an unsatisfactory manner, it would be them. “Good point.” As best as the huge construct could, he bowed to his soon-to-be opponents. “I will refrain from crushing any of you. Good luck,” he wished, in a polite yet subtly menacing tone.

Saying nothing, Hugo instead began to consider strategy. Just as Hume couldn't do any pulverizing, he couldn't use his hook in a student battle. Lashes, however, would work well enough. A quick look around confirmed that trees surrounding the clearing might provide for some engaging gambits. Since his selection of teammates didn't matter so much for his plan, he told the other captains, “You pick.” and accepted the two who remained afterward with a stern smile.