~General POV~
"Please do your best, Nanami-sensei. We're counting on you," said the principal.
"Then, excuse me," Nanami said as he got up went back to his desk at the staff room.
The reason he was called to the principal's office was nothing out of the ordinary. Just an unreasonable complaint from a student's parent.
To be clear, Nanami was at least an above-average teacher. His real-world experience far exceeded that of his peers, allowing him to teach beyond just his assigned subjects. Most faculty and parents trusted him, especially after parent-teacher conferences.
Well, most parents, that is... As for the students? Not all of them distrusted him, but respect was another matter altogether.
This complaint had also started because of a student: "My grades dropped because your teaching sucks."
To reiterate, Nanami was a competent teacher. His lessons were well-prepared, concise, and easy to follow. As long as students reviewed and studied diligently, they would succeed.
'Two years at this school… and the stress has only piled up since I became a homeroom teacher. On top of that, my current class has its own issues,' Nanami mused.
"Good morning, Nanami-sensei!" A voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
The speaker was a petite lady who was arguably the shortest in the entire school. Even sitting down, Nanami had to look slightly downward due to their height difference.
She wasn't a student, but a fellow teacher, Hatayama Aiko. She was just 25 years old, not much younger than him.
"Good morning, Hatayama-sensei," His greeting was polite but distant.
Aiko, however, beamed at him, "Prepping for class already?"
"Yes. After all, as soon as homeroom ends, it's straight to lessons. So it's only natural."
"But you're often here early, prepping for classes weeks in advance, aren't you?"
"It's nothing special. I just want my students to understand the material. Math is dull enough as it is."
"B-but Nanami-sensei's teaching is highly praised!" Aiko stammered.
"...I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, especially knowing why the principal called me in, but I'm not bothered. It just means I'm lacking."
"Ugh…"
Aiko fell silent, and guilt pricked at Nanami.
He softened his tone, offering some reassurance, "...I respect you as a teacher, Hatayama-sensei. You support the students and even look out for me like this. That kind of care doesn't go unnoticed, so thank you."
"Ah! Y-Yes! Thank you!" she replied, flustered.
"Though, being treated like a mascot by the students might be a bit much."
"Eek! Th-That's not true!" Aiko protested.
"Just kidding," Nanami said as he left his seat.
Aiko, who has to look up at him due to their height difference of over 40 centimeters, returned to her usual smile.
"Well, I'll head out," he said.
As Nanami exited the staff room, another teacher spoke to Aiko, "You know, Nanami-sensei has been heading to his class earlier lately, hasn't he? He used to walk in right as the bell rang."
"It's Nanami-sensei, so I'm sure he has his reasons…"
...
To put it simply, there was a reason...
Nanami knew it wasn't to ideal to play favorites with one student, even as a homeroom teacher, but he couldn't ignore the situation.
On his way to homeroom, he ran into the student in question.
"Good morning, Nagumo-kun. You're not late, so no need to rush."
"Ah! Yes! Good morning, Nanami-sensei," Hajime replied, catching his breath.
Nagumo Hajime... a student who often arrives just before the bell, frequently naps in class, and was the stereotypical otaku. Worse, he was also the target of attention for a certain student, which led to him being harassed by a few classmates.
"Go on ahead." Nanami gestured for him to enter first.
Hajime nods and entered the classroom. After a brief pause, Nanami followed.
"Hey, f– tch!" a voice started, but abruptly clicked their tongue at the sight of Nanami.
"Clicking your tongue while looking at me could cause misunderstandings, Hiyama-kun. Be careful," Nanami warned coolly.
"...Yes," Hiyama Daisuke muttered, scowling along with his three friends.
They'd clearly been about to harass Hajime.
Ignoring them, Nanami headed to the teacher's desk when another voice interrupted: "Wait a second! That's unfair, you shouldn't talk to him like that, Nanami-sensei!"
Amanogawa Kouki... a young man who was perfect in looks, grades, and sports. Nanami kept an eye on him, for better or worse.
Nanami asked, "Unfair how? I dislike vague criticism."
"Your words to Hiyama! Everyone clicks their tongue sometimes, like when they're reminded of something annoying."
"...I suppose." Nanami conceded.
"Then–"
"But I was addressing a tongue-click directed at someone. Would you feel fondly toward someone who clicks their tongue at you the moment they lock eyes with you?"
"Hiyama wouldn't do that!" Kouki protested.
"Maybe not. But his gaze was on me. Intentional or not, most people find it unpleasant to be on the receiving end of that. Is there a problem with me addressing it?"
"N-no…" Kouki mumbled.
"...Getting heated is a bad habit of yours, Amanogawa-kun. The world is full of irrationality. Stay calm, and you'll become an even better person. I guarantee it."
"...Yes." Though Nanami's words were true, Kouki nodded with a sour expression.
At the desk, Nanami set down his attendance file and lesson notes, then addressed the class, "Sorry for the delay. Good morning, everyone. I'll be working at the desk for a bit, but until the bell rings, do as you like."
Whether they were listening or not, the brief silence shattered into chatter. Nanami didn't interfere... As long as no rules were broken, he had no issue.
Thinking it was just the usual scene, he glanced over, and noticed Hajime being approached by a female student.
She was one of the school's so-called "two goddesses", a student with long, shimmering hair and radiant face, Shirasaki Kaori.
She was a responsible individual, relied upon by students and teachers alike. But…
'Her eyes are always on Nagumo-kun... And frankly, she's borderline stalker material.'
Nanami had figured her out after catching her hugging a book Hajime was reading in the library. She had even entered an adult game shop to understand his hobbies, an incident that led to Nanami stepping in.
'I don't know what draws her to Nagumo-kun, but it's bound to cause trouble for everyone.'
Worse, Kaori thought she was protecting Hajime from those who bullied him, unaware that her actions only made things worse.
Of course, Nanami noticed, 'If those two ever start dating, things would get even messier.'
As a teacher and homeroom advisor, he wanted his students to have a comfortable school life, but he suppressed a sigh as reality proved less than ideal...
Three more figures gathered around Hajime and Kaori:
Kouki, Kaori's childhood friend...
Yaegashi Shizuku, a tall, ponytailed kendo champion and the other half of the school's "two goddesses". Incidentally, her family ran the Yaegashi swordsmanship dojo, where both she and Kouki trained.
Furthermore, the Yaegashi family had recognized Nanami's competence during a previous home visit. Nanami also suspected that the dojo wasn't ordinary, but chose to ignore it.
The last person was Sakagami Ryutarou, Kouki's best friend, a boisterous, muscular guy who was over 190 cm tall and loved passion and grit, the classic meathead type...
With the school's top four celebrities clustered together, all eyes turned to them, and with it, Hajime endured prickling glares.
'...Rough road ahead.' Nanami sighed.
The bell rang.
Nanami closed his files and stood up. The students also returned to their seats.
After confirming that everyone was seated, he began, "I've already greeted you, but once more, good morning. Let's take attendance."
He took roll, shared brief announcements, and began the lesson...
...
During class, Nanami didn't usually wake sleeping students. He believed that if they chose not to listen, that was their responsibility. That was his general rule.
But today, he made an exception.
*Thwack*
"Ow!"
A light tap with the textbook roused the sleeper...
...
~Hajime POV~
"Ow!"
Pain jolts me awake from my dreams. I look up to see Nanami-sensei staring down with his usual sharp gaze, though not angry.
"Is my class boring, Nagumo-kun?" Nanami-sensei asks.
"N-no, sir," I stammer.
Nanami-sensei rarely wakes sleeping students. The only other times he does so are always accompanied by:
"This will be on the test, so stay awake for this part."
Or
"This is important, so please wake up."
And rarely, it's on a whim...
This seems like the third case, but asking if his class was boring is new, and it throws me off.
"Your grades are average," Nanami-sensei continues, "It might sound odd coming from a teacher, but if you can sleep and still do well, I suppose that's fine."
This seems like something a teacher should never say, and Nanami-sensei probably knew that.
He continues, "And at your age, you've already got solid plans for the future. Not many students think that far ahead."
But then he adds, "However... even if you're working part-time to prepare for that future career, as a student, that's just an extension of a side job. Your main responsibility is learning."
Nanami-sensei conjures a practical example, "Think of it like this... Would you hire someone at your future company who neglects their primary duties to focus on a side gig?"
I have no retort for that. It was the truth...
I won't change how I live… but I can't deny facts. Besides, Nanami-sensei is deliberately avoiding mentioning the specifics of my part-time job, likely aware it could cause issues, so I need to play along...
"I respect your efforts towards your future, but don't neglect your present. If my class is boring, sleep if you must, but listen when it matters… Not that you need me to tell you, since your grades show you get it… But as a teacher, I have to say it. Ahem... I've digressed. Back to the lesson."
As Nanami-sensei returns to the board...
"Pfft– HA!"
...A gross laugh comes from Hiyama's direction.
"Something funny, Hiyama-kun?" Nanami-sensei asks, "Did you complete the assignment I gave earlier?"
"Uh, ah! S–Sorry…" Hiyama stammers.
"The deadline was over ten days ago. I'll give you until tomorrow, but if you don't submit it, expect remedial lessons."
Hiyama glares, but Nanami-sensei ignores him and resumes teaching.
Honestly, some people dislike this teacher, but as for me? I respect him. He's a good one...
~Flashback~
One day, Nanami-sensei asked, "Nagumo-kun, do you have any days after school when you're free?"
He was inquiring about my part-time work schedule. I thought I'd be scolded for sleeping in class when we went to an empty classroom, but that wasn't it.
"I'll be direct," he said, "Nagumo-kun, you're being bullied in class, aren't you?"
"…"
"Should I take your silence as confirmation?"
"Ah, yes– no, no, no!" I stammered.
I had wondered whether other teachers hadn't noticed or were just pretending not to. This was the first time anyone had directly asked me about it.
At the very least, it seemed none of the other teachers had realized.
"It's... not really anything worth worrying about," I said, denying it to avoid blowing things out of proportion.
"Is that so? Every time you enter the classroom, you face insults. It hasn't turned physical yet, but you're worried it might soon, aren't you? And Shirasaki-san, the cause, seems oblivious to the glares directed at you."
Nanami-sensei knew everything, including the reason...
"Also, I considered that you might not want to escalate things, so I haven't told any other teachers or your parents. You can rest assured. I just want to know for now, and I promise I won't mention it to the staff or your parents without your permission." His eyes were unwavering as he offered, "If you want, I can even write and sign a contract."
At that point, even I had to stay calm and refuse, "That's not necessary."
"Honestly, I debated whether to ask you at all. Despite being your teacher, I wasn't sure if I should meddle so directly in your personal relationships."
"…"
I felt embarrassed that sensei had agonized this much over me, and I also felt touched by his unique kindness.
Nanami-sensei continued, "But I decided to ask because I considered the risks if things escalate. So, I'll ask again: Are you being bullied in class?"
"…Yes." I hadn't meant to admit it, but I nodded.
"I see," Nanami-sensei said, "As a teacher, I want all my students to have a good school life. If you're facing something unfair, even if it's between students, I want to do something about it. In this school, I'm on your side... at least concerning this matter."
With that, sensei stood from his chair and headed for the door. He said, "Thank you for being honest. This conversation is over. I'll say it again: I won't share this without your permission."
...
From the next day, Nanami-sensei started arriving at the classroom earlier for homeroom and his classes, though not every time, perhaps to avoid making it obvious he knew about the bullying, but regularly enough...
Unfortunately, this led some to think he was someone who couldn't prepare for class until the last minute.
"You don't need to feel guilty," he told me. "Besides, being disliked is part of a teacher's job."
He saw right through my thoughts and said it first. Even though he knew about the bullying, he didn't play favorites. He still scolded me when needed.
For example, during a home visit, sensei didn't mention the bullying at all. Instead, he asked to see my work environment, saying, "Not many people can turn their hobbies into a career. Keep at it." But he still added, "Still, try not to sleep too much in class."
So... sensei made sure to report that part.
~Flashback End~
...
"Alright, that's all for today. Don't forget to review. Oh, Shirasaki-san, Amanogawa-kun, sorry to ask, but could you help me carry some documents and heavy materials?"
Class ends, and sleepiness creeps in again. Before I drift off, I hear voices. Amanogawa-kun agrees readily to Nanami-sensei's request, while Shirasaki-san glances at me briefly, looking slightly disappointed, before following sensei.
By the way, Nanami-sensei definitely doesn't need help with carrying anything. I once saw him move a medium-sized truck that was parked illegally near the school with his bare hands. I don't know where he gets that strength, but no one would believe me if I told them.
Anyway, this must be another act of consideration from him.
"Tch! That damn Nanami guy is such a nitpicky pain!" Hiyama grumbles, directing his irrational anger at the teacher.
I sigh inwardly, thinking, 'Here we go again,' before slipping into a dream. Even if I got scolded… when you're sleepy, you're sleepy.
~~~
~Aiko POV~
After fourth period, I was chatting with a few students. This was… well, pretty normal… Okay, yes, they call me "Ai-chan", but I'm not a mascot, no matter what Nanami-sensei says! Probably...
Is it because I'm so short? I mean, compared to Nanami-sensei, I guess I'm tiny. {Note: Here, Nanami has grown a bit taller than in the original. He's about 187 cm tall.}
"So, Ai-chan, what's up lately?" Taniguchi Suzu asks with her usual grin.
"I've told you, there's nothing like that between me and Nanami-sensei," I reply.
"Huh? I meant how you're doing lately~"
"…"
Ugh, she got me...
"But seriously, why Nanami-sensei, Ai-chan?" another student chimes in.
"Yeah, his eyes are kinda scary, and he's so serious. It feels like he only says strict stuff. He's not a bad guy, though."
"You're all being unfair!" I counter, "He cares about all of you, and you know the things he says are important, right?"
They fell silent, but I could tell they agreed.
"Also, there's nothing between me and Nanami-sensei. I don't even think he's interested in romance."
It feels like he always keeps a certain distance from everyone. He never joins staff social events, almost like he doesn't want to be remembered.
"Yeah, true," a student agrees.
"I can't picture Nanami-sensei dating anyone."
"His eyes are a bit intense, but he's kinda handsome, right?"
They're really laying into him…
"But Ai-chan, you and him wouldn't work. You'd look more like parent and child than a couple."
"Hey, that's rude!" I protest.
"Then why not make a move? He might be weak to a direct approach," Suzu suggests.
"Why does it always come to that?! Nanami-sensei and I–"
"Did I do something?" Nanami's voice cuts in.
"W-WHAA?! NANAMI-SENSEI?!?!"
W-When did he get here?! Did he hear everything?!
"U-Um, why are you here?" I ask, flustered.
He usually eats lunch quietly in the staff room at this time.
"No particular reason…" he says vaguely.
It's unlike him to sound so uncertain, especially with no clear purpose for being here...
...
~General POV~
A few minutes ago...
During fourth period, with no class to teach, Nanami was doing paperwork in the staff room. As the bell rang, he closed his laptop and was about to eat lunch when...
'What's that?! Cursed energy...? No, it feels different.'
Having believed he was the only one with cursed energy in this world, this sudden sensation catches Nanami off guard. It was faint, but noticeable.
'Is it not fully activated yet? Or has someone just awakened to cursed energy? Either way, I need to check.'
'It might not have been cursed energy, maybe a similar power which exists in this alternate world.'
He headed toward the source, instantly recognizing it as his own classroom.
'Should I go inside?'
He wouldn't be able to tell anything from the hallway. So Nanami entered the classroom... Aiko was there, mid-conversation.
"Why does it always come to that?! Nanami-sensei and I–"
"Did I do something?" Nanami interrupted.
That was how Nanami ended up in the classroom. Of course, he couldn't just say he sensed cursed energy, it wouldn't make sense to ordinary individuals, so he deflected vaguely.
'I should change the subject.' Nanami thought before asking, "Anyway, did I do something?"
"Uh, n-no, it's just–" Aiko stammered.
"We were talking about whether you're dating anyone," a student blurted out.
"Hey!" Aiko yelped.
'Do kids these days really like gossip this much?' Nanami wondered, not seeing the appeal about his love life.
But decided to answer seriously, "No. I don't have anyone like that."
"Not even in when you were in school?" a student asks.
"There were no women in my class during my school days."
'Did he go to an all-boys school?' They wondered.
Nanami didn't lie, but he didn't tell the full truth either. He couldn't exactly say it.
He added, "Besides, I don't really think about that kind of thing now."
"See, Ai-chan?" a student teased.
"Huh?!" Aiko squeaked.
"Hatayama-sensei, I don't talk about myself much, but if you're curious, just ask me directly," Nanami said.
"N-no, it's not–" Aiko floundered.
As Aiko panicked, Nanami sensed it again.
'Again?! It's closer and stronger this time!'
The moment he felt the cursed energy-like power, a glowing circle with intricate patterns appeared around Amanogawa Kouki, spreading across the classroom.
'Damn it! I didn't notice until it activated!' Nanami cursed inwardly before shouting, "Everyone, get out–!"
Before he could finish, the circle flared with light, engulfing them all...
~~~
For a second, Nanami thought he'd lost consciousness, but then realized that he'd just closed his eyes against the blinding light. Opening them, he saw a massive mural depicting an androgynous figure, likely a deity, on a pedestal where everyone stood.
Hooded figures surrounded them, praying. The hall everyone was in seemed enormous, and students were panicking while Kouki tried to take roll.
Meanwhile, Nanami was thinking something else entirely: 'This isn't a domain expansion… likely a teleportation technique. No, I need to stay calm and confirm everyone's safety first...'
"Welcome to the world of Tortus," a voice said.
An elderly man, likely the leader of the hooded figures, stepped forward, continuing, "To the Hero and his companions from another world, I am Ishtar Langbard, Pope of the Holy Church. Remember this name well."
From this day forward, the jujutsu sorcerer, Nanami Kento, would face a new battle, while searching for a new purpose and meaning in life...