The entrance ceremony went smoothly. Miyuki, standing in as top admit, delivered the response speech flawlessly, choosing words to unite Course 1 and Course 2 students. Tatsuya calmly noted she was perfect for the role.
Still, she might feel the same, but I'm curious about that person, Tatsuya thought. The top admit, a Ten Master Clans member, crafted a speech dismissing Course distinctions, which felt sincere. Tatsuya was wary but intrigued to meet them.
For Miyuki, speaking wasn't new, and the speech's content resonated with her, making her want to meet its writer. But opening the handwritten draft sparked déjà vu. This handwriting… like Yuto's?
"Shiba-san, something wrong?" Mayumi asked.
"Nothing," Miyuki replied, brushing it off. The handwriting was identical to Yugen's, but she was interrupted.
"How was reading it?" Mayumi asked.
"Relatable, though bold. I was nervous," Miyuki admitted.
"I want you and 'Yu-kun' in the student council," Mayumi said.
Miyuki inferred "Yu-kun" was the male top admit, likely known to Mayumi as a fellow Ten Master Clans member. Before she could ask, Course 1 students, led by Shun Morisaki, swarmed her with flattery. Miyuki forced a smile, but Mayumi intervened.
"Don't you have a meeting with your brother?" Mayumi hinted.
"Yes, thank you," Miyuki said, catching the lifeline. She left the gym, followed by Mayumi, ignoring trailing Course 1 students.
"How did you know about my brother?" Miyuki asked.
"I met him during rounds, and his top theory score tied with 'Yu-kun,'" Mayumi explained.
On par with Onii-sama? "The top admit's impressive," Miyuki said.
"Yeah…" Mayumi trailed off, her tone odd.
Why does she seem guarded? Miyuki wondered, sensing Mayumi's complex emotions tied to the top admit possibly personal. The vice president behind Mayumi signaled to recruit her, but Mayumi ignored him, knowing the top admit's council invitation was delayed.
Post-ceremony, Tatsuya collected his ID card when Erika and Mizuki approached. "Tatsuya, check out homeroom?" Erika asked.
"Thanks, but I'm meeting my sister," he declined.
"The response speaker, Miyuki Shiba?" Mizuki asked.
"Are you twins?" Erika added.
"No, I'm April-born, she's March. Good guess," Tatsuya said.
"Your auras are similar," Mizuki said.
Spirit radiation sensitivity? "Sharp eyes," Tatsuya noted, dodging further scrutiny.
Miyuki arrived with Mayumi and a glaring male student, likely the vice president. "Onii-sama, a date already?" she teased.
"That's rude to them and me. They're classmates," Tatsuya scolded.
Miyuki apologized, introducing herself to Erika and Mizuki, who responded warmly. The crowd, especially Course 1 students, noticed, whispering about Tatsuya's Course 2 status versus Miyuki's. "Second-place's brother is a Weed?" they sneered.
Miyuki held back to avoid trouble, but Tatsuya intervened. "Miyuki, the student council's waiting."
"It's just a greeting today," Mayumi said.
"President?!" the vice president protested.
"No rush," Mayumi said, leaving with him. He glared at Tatsuya, who was puzzled.
Erika whispered, "That's the vice president. Probably loves Mayumi and sees you as a rival."
"Ridiculous. We just met," Tatsuya said.
"You're oblivious to your looks," Miyuki teased, making Mizuki chuckle.
At the cafeteria, Erika asked Miyuki, "Always stealing the spotlight?"
"It's gotten worse lately," Miyuki said.
"Probably her crush," Tatsuya teased.
"No, Yuto's not…" Miyuki faltered.
"Yuto? Yuto Nagano?" Erika asked.
"You know him?" Miyuki replied.
"Childhood friend, along with 'Miki.' He trained at our Chiba dojo," Erika said, denying romantic feelings. Miyuki seemed relieved.
"Is he that great?" Mizuki asked.
"Beyond great swordsmanship and magic," Erika said. "But it's weird. He said he's attending First High."
"No sign of him," Miyuki noted.
"He sent me proof," Erika said, showing a doctored admission certificate. Tatsuya confirmed its authenticity.
Back at Chiba's annex, Erika, in casual clothes, called Yugen. His voicemail griped about Miki. "Be serious," she snapped.
"Serious talk?" Yugen replied.
"You weren't at the ceremony. I waited," Erika said.
"Sorry, I'm in Hokkaido for family stuff. Forgot to tell you," Yugen said.
"Rough. Cake set as apology," Erika teased.
"Deal," Yugen agreed.
"Tatsuya and Miyuki know you," Erika said.
"Met through Grandpa. Who read the response?" Yugen asked.
"Miyuki. Why?" Erika asked.
"That speech had bold words," Yugen said.
"Like it was yours?" Erika pressed.
"Exactly. I wrote it," Yugen admitted.
"What?!" Erika gasped. Realizing he was the top admit, she asked, "Who are you, 'Yuto'?"
Yugen sighed. "Keep this from Tatsuya and Miyuki. Yuto Nagano's a cover for safety. I'm Yugen Mitsuya, third son of Gen Mitsuya, this year's top admit. Your dad and brothers probably know."
"My idiot family knew?!" Erika groaned. "Two cake sets, and treat my friends."
"Fine," Yugen laughed.
Erika confirmed with her brother Kazuya, reeling at her Ten Master Clans friend.