~General POV~
"Whether we get along from now on depends on you. Who are you? Is this your technique?" asked Nanami.
The elderly man tilted his head, replying, "Hmm, shall I introduce myself once more?"
"Enough jokes. Let me ask again, Ishtar-san. Is this your power at work?"
"No, it is not. The one who summoned you was Lord Ehit, the supreme god who created this world."
'Not teleportation, but summoning. A being who calls itself a god. And this world…' Convinced of something, Nanami pressed further, "You don't intend to harm us, do you?"
"Perish the thought! You are the saviors sent by Lord Ehit."
'Again, this Lord Ehit…' Nanami thought.
Realizing they wouldn't get answers in this tense atmosphere, Ishtar offered to guide them to a hall where he would explain everything...
"I'll follow them for now. We lack information after all," Nanami said to the students, "It'd be best if you also came along, but what do you want to do?"
Most of them exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to do. Just as Nanami was about to add another word or two–
"Nanami-sensei is right," Kouki interjected, "For now, let's hear what Ishtar-san has to say."
Kouki's calming presence unified the group, and they reluctantly followed. In the midst of their uncertainty, the words of a charismatic figure like him carried weight.
"Thank you, Amanogawa-kun," Nanami said.
"It's only natural," Kouki replied.
Though Nanami meant it as a simple expression of gratitude, in Kouki's mind, it solidified his belief that even their teachers were relying on him.
Meanwhile, Nanami scanned their surroundings, searching for potential escape routes for the students in case of emergency. But finding none, he resigned himself to following Ishtar's lead... for now.
The grand hall they were led to was dazzling, adorned with luxurious furnishings, wallpaper, and paintings so extravagant, that even an amateur could recognize their worth.
The moment they took their seats, maids entered, pushing carts to serve drinks. The sight of real-life maids caused many of the male students to gawk, but...
"Everyone, stay composed." Nanami warned, "And don't drink yet. We don't know what's in these."
His warning stopped those who had been about to sip.
"Rest assured. There is no poison," Ishtar said.
"Poison isn't the only thing that could give you an advantage," Nanami countered.
"My, my. You're quite cautious, aren't you?" The elderly man remarked.
"That's too much, sensei! Besides, didn't he already promise he wouldn't harm us?!" Kouki protested.
"Amanogawa-kun, you should learn to be a little more skeptical. Words are cheap. And given that we were practically kidnapped and brought here, caution is only natural, don't you think?"
"Then, will this suffice?" Ishtar raised his hand, summoning one of the maids. He swapped cups with Nanami, and drank from his.
"…Fine," Nanami conceded, "Then let's hear this explanation of yours. As an apology, I'll listen quietly until you're done."
Though still on guard, Nanami decided to hear him out. But what followed was nothing short of outrageous selfishness...
...
In this world known as Tortus, three major races existed:
- Humans, who reside and rule the northern half of the continent.
- Demons, who reside and rule the southern half.
- Beastmen, who lived quietly in the far east within the massive forest known as the Sea of Trees...
For centuries, humans and demons had been locked in war. While demons were fewer in number, each possessed formidable individual strength, forcing humans to rely on sheer numbers to counterbalance the disparity.
The balance of power has prevented large-scale wars from breaking out in recent decades.
However, recently, an abnormality had emerged... demons had begun controlling monsters.
Monsters were said to be wild beasts mutated by absorbing mana, taking on grotesque forms. Their exact nature was unknown, but they wielded powerful racial magic, and were also vicious and predatory creatures.
'Hmm… I suppose they're similar to cursed spirits. Until I see them for myself, I'll assume all monsters are at least Grade 1-level curses.' Nanami thought, while mentally cataloging the information being shared.
Previously, only a handful could control monsters, and even then, no more than two at a time. But now, that norm had been shattered... the numerical advantage humans once held had collapsed.
"Lord Ehit summoned you to prevent humanity's extinction," Ishtar explained, "As beings from a higher world, you possess abilities far superior to those of this world's humans. We ask that you wield this power, fulfill Lord Ehit's will, and strike down the demons to save humanity."
"I refuse." Nanami rejected the proposal instantly.
Ishtar's repulsive expression twisted in disbelief, as if unable to comprehend defiance against a god's decree.
'Does he think everything should be accepted just because a god wills it? Does he even realize that he is dragging ignorant children into war?' Nanami's soul screamed, but he suppressed the urge to shout.
He had promised to hear Ishtar out, but agreeing to fight their war was never part of the deal...
"That's right!" Aiko chimed in, sharing Nanami's stance, "In the end, you just want to force these kids into war! I won't allow it! No, as their teacher, I absolutely forbid it!"
Her protest, delivered with her youthful face, merely elicited warm smiles from everyone, since, in their eyes, she was like a cute pet throwing a tantrum… To everyone except for Nanami that is.
"Send us back immediately!" Aiko demanded, "Our families must be worried sick! What you're doing is nothing short of kidnapping!"
"I'm afraid that might not be possible." Nanami said calmly.
His calm response stunned Aiko into silence. But the situation was unfolding exactly as Nanami had feared.
"…Indeed," Ishtar confirmed, "While I sympathize with your feelings, returning you is currently impossible."
A suffocating silence fell as the word "impossible" echoed.
"W-What do you mean, 'impossible'?!" Aiko cried, "If you could summon us, then you should be able to us back!"
"As I said earlier, it was Lord Ehit who summoned you. We humans possess no magic capable of interfering with other worlds. Whether you can return depends entirely on Lord Ehit's will."
'Or it might just be impossible even for this Ehit. With a technique that powerful, it wouldn't be surprising if there were restrictions that prevented him from returning us.' Nanami thought.
He then asked, "Can't you communicate with him through this 'oracle' you mentioned?"
"The oracles do not answer at will. Everything depends on Lord Ehit's judgment," Ishtar replied.
"What a convenient god you have," Nanami said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Oblivious to the mockery of Nanami's words, Ishtar's face glowed with ecstasy as he hummed in agreement.
Aiko slumped into her chair in defeat... and as if triggered by this, the students erupted into chaos:
"You're kidding, right?! What do you mean we can't go back?!"
Some vented their fear and frustration at being trapped:
"No way! I don't want to be part of this! Just send us home!"
Others raged at the idea of being forced to risk their lives:
"War?! Are you kidding me?! This is bullsh*t!"
Some simply cursed their misfortune, lost in despair:
"Why… why… why…?"
This was panic in its truest form. In Nanami's world, this level of negative emotion alone could spawn cursed spirits. He tried to calm them and find a way forward, or at least a compromise... but then, one person's actions and words stopped him.
It was Kouki.
He slammed the table, drawing everyone's attention and quieting the room. He started, "Everyone, complaining to Ishtar-san won't change anything. He can't do anything about it either."
The fact that no one retorted was a testament to his charisma. The students listened, and so far, it was fine.
But then, his next words made everything worse:
"I… I've decided I'm going to fight. It's a fact that the people of this world are facing annihilation. Knowing that, I can't just stand by. Besides, if we were summoned to save them, maybe once we do, they'll let us go home… Right, Ishtar-san?"
Ishtar stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying, "Indeed. Lord Ehit would not disregard the wishes of his saviors."
Kouki continued, "Here, we have incredible power, right? Ever since we got here, I've felt this strange surge of power."
"Indeed. Roughly speaking, your abilities far surpass those of this world's inhabitants by several times, if not dozens," Ishtar confirmed.
"Good. Then it's settled. I'll fight. I'll save the people, and I'll make sure everyone gets home. I'll save this world and everyone in it!" Kouki declared boldly, not truly understanding the weight of his words.
And worse, his charisma began working in the worst possible way.
"Heh, I knew you'd say that," Ryutarou, his best friend, said, "Can't let you do it alone… I'm in too."
"Ryutarou…"
It started a chain reaction. When a charismatic leader gains support from the strong, others follow.
"At this point, it's our only choice…" Shizuku sighed reluctantly, "I hate it, but… I'm in too."
"Shizuku…"
"Um, if Shizuku-chan's doing it, then I'll try my best too!" Kaori chimed in, following her best friend's lead.
"Kaori…"
Though not as charismatic as Kouki, the agreement of these three swayed others. Soon, the students chimed in:
"If Amanogawa's doing it…"
"I won't let Shirasaki-san face danger alone…"
They clung to this false hope as an escape from reality.
Only Hajime understood the true weight of being dragged into a war. Seeing Ishtar's satisfied expression, he realized Kouki had been manipulated.
But one thing puzzled Hajime... It was Nanami.
While even Aiko was tearfully protesting, Nanami remained silent, slowly sipping his tea… or so it seemed.
Nanami suddenly downed his tea in one gulp. Then, he took Aiko's cup, sighed deeply, and–
*Crash!*
""!!!??""
He smashed it on the floor with full force.
"That's enough, Amanogawa-kun," he said calmly.
To the students, Nanami Kento had always been strict, but he was also the type to scold gently. Even now, that impression held... He appeared calm... yet, something felt fundamentally different.
Even Ishtar appeared startled, as if he hadn't expected Nanami to have this side to him.
"W-what do you mean?" Kouki asked, his legs trembling slightly.
The earlier enthusiasm in the room had completely vanished.
"First, let me make one thing clear. Amanogawa-kun, I absolutely forbid you from fighting. I won't allow it."
"Wha–?! Why?! Are you saying we should abandon this world's people?!" Kouki shouted.
"I never said that... Amanogawa-kun, why did you decide to fight?"
"I said it earlier! It's because these people are in danger–"
"Accidents, incidents, diseases, terrorism, conflicts, wars," Nanami cut him off and listed coldly, "People you don't know die every day in places you don't see. Does it suddenly matter now just because they're from another world?"
"W-What kind of logic is that?! Helping those in need is only natural! And now, we have the power to do it!"
"So that 'power' means you can throw away yours and the others' lives without a second thought?"
"No! That's not what I meant!" Kouki protested.
"Then what did you mean? Right now, you've made a decision to drag others into war. Do you understand what war is? Have your history lessons taught you nothing? It's a cesspool of bloodshed and negativity, a place where countless lives are lost."
"I won't let that happen!"
"How? By placating them with your 'power'?"
"No! Through dialogue–"
"If talking worked, our own world wouldn't have wars either. Saying you're fighting to return home would at least be a better excuse.
"That would just be selfish–"
"And yet, you just selfishly imposed your will on the entire class. Unconsciously."
Kouki's anger was reaching its peak.
"But even so, you're still better than most." Nanami continued, "At least you voiced your opinion. There are those in this class who are even worse."
For a moment, Kouki calmed slightly, assuming Nanami meant Hajime, being that he was the only one who sat silently, saying nothing.
But Nanami's next words stunned them all, "I'm talking about every single person who agreed with Amanogawa-kun just now."
"" "" ""!!!!???"" "" ""
"Yaegashi-san," Nanami called out.
"Y-Yes?!" Shizuku flinched, not expecting to be singled out, but responding nonetheless.
"Are you only participating because Amanogawa-kun said so? Because of someone else's opinion? Out of obligation?"
"Th-That's…" she faltered.
"Stop it!!" Kouki interrupted, "Why are you being like this…"
"You're about to throw yourself into battle," Nanami said, ignoring Kouki, "This isn't a kendo match. Cutting through the flesh of monsters means cutting through living beings. You might be able to do it, Yaegashi-san. But that sensation, the feeling of slicing through living flesh... It will stay with you for the rest of your life. And if it's a person, it'll feel even worse. If you keep cutting them down, eventually, you'll come to resent the family who taught you swordsmanship."
"Ugh… A-Ahh…" Shizuku stammered, shaken.
"When you kill someone, or when you face your own death, will you blame Amanogawa-kun for deciding to join this war? Will you blame the family who taught you to wield a sword?"
Kouki protested, "I won't let Shizuku kill anyone! I won't let anyone die! I'll protect–"
"How?" Nanami cut in, "You can't possibly be in front of everyone at all times. People die in war... that's an inevitability."
Nanami's relentless reality check finally hit home, making the students realize what war truly meant.
"There are no heroes in war. Death is always right in front of you. Not just your own, but the deaths of allies and enemies alike. The death of someone who was laughing just yesterday. Sometimes, you'll have to kick aside corpses just to fight the enemy in front of you. If you're not already insane to a certain extent, your mind will shatter. And if you're too unhinged, you'll drown in madness."
He glanced at Aiko, "Hatayama-sensei, as a history teacher, you should understand this, no?"
"…Huh?! Y-Yes!!" Aiko straightened up, affirming reflexively.
Her unusual reaction, combined with Nanami's intensity, made the students visibly uneasy.
"You're scaring everyone!" Kouki exclaimed, "Why…"
Nanami cut him short, "Making them face reality is also a teacher's job."
Each time he cut off Kouki's words, something in the class crumbled... likely the faint hope Kouki's charisma had sparked.
"You might not be able to imagine your own death, but I can tell you this much: If you decide to go to war like this, whether you survive or not, none of you will die without regrets."
"""!!!"""
The students froze in shock.
"Nanami-sensei…" Kouki grumbled.
Nanami continued, "To summarize: 'Our world is in danger, so please risk your lives to fight for our god. But there's no guarantee for your lives or what happens afterward.' So tell me, what reason do you have to bet your lives on this?"
"But… they said we'd be sent back once it's over…" Kouki argued weakly.
"When did they say that? Ishtar-san only said Ehit wouldn't disregard our wishes, not that he would definitely send us back. For all we know, this 'Ehit' might not even have the power to send us back."
Every time Kouki tried to speak, his words were cut off. Finally, he fell silent. And with that, the despair among the students deepened...
"You stay quiet now," Nanami said to Kouki, "Ishtar-san, may I?"
"Wh-What is it?" Startled by Nanami's sudden address, Ishtar responded nervously due to witnessing Nanami's quiet fury earlier.
"I have four demands for you. First; ensure our food, clothing, and shelter. You didn't just forcefully summon us and expect us to fend for ourselves, did you?"
"O-Of course not. arrangements have been made in the Heiligh Kingdom at the mountain's base," Ishtar assured.
"Second; to survive in this world, we'll need to wield power and gain knowledge. Provide a place for us to learn both."
"Of course. We've already informed the knights' order and intend to provide training."
"Thank you," Nanami said, though it sounded like he was demanding preparations for war.
Before the students could react, he moved to the third demand, "Third; any real combat training or actual battles require my permission."
"""!!!"""
Gasps echoed throughout the room.
"…Meaning?" Ishtar questioned.
"They cannot fight without my approval."
Ishtar protested, "But in that case, we gain nothing from this arrangeme–"
"Fourth," Nanami said without missing a beat, "If a battle or full-scale war occurs, I'll stand on the front lines alone and fight until I die. After my death, you may disregard the previous three demands."
"Hoh," Ishtar hummed thoughtfully, while the students and Aiko stared in shock.
"N-Nanami-sensei!!" Aiko cried out, "Even for the students' sake, you can't sacrifice yourself!"
"I've made one-sided demands, so this balances it out."
"They're the ones being one-sided!!" Aiko argued.
Kouki chimed in, "If Nanami-sensei is going to fight, then I–"
"Don't say you'll fight too, Amanogawa-kun," Nanami cut him off, "Those are my demands."
Ishtar spoke, "May I ask something?"
"Go ahead," Nanami allowed, though he chose to remain standing while listening.
"Are you able to survive alone? And what if we refuse?"
"Simple," Nanami said, clenching his fist and placing it on the table. Then, with a slight exertion of force–
*Boom!*
...the table shattered, leaving a massive hole where his fist had been. His fist wasn't infused with cursed energy, nor did he use any technique... It was just raw physical strength.
"I may not look it, but I'm strong. If you refuse, I'll crush you all right here and now, then I'll protect my students as best I can."
'Mmh... my strength feels heightened… Is this another effect of coming to this world?' Nanami pondered.
"Very well," Ishtar nodded, seemingly convinced.
"Everyone." Nanami addressed the students who were stunned by this unfamiliar side of him. They snapped back at his voice.
"I can't make promises. But I will do everything in my power to get you back to your families. Still, prepare yourselves in case I fail. I won't always be able to protect you, and I'm sorry for that. How you gain that strength is up to you; whether through knowledge, pure power, or whatever else."
He bowed his head before continuing, "Fight not for war, but to survive. And if you still choose to go to war… think carefully about what I've said."
Not all of them understood, but his intent had reached some. Those who understood grew to admire him, while others remained unconvinced. Some wondered why they had to obey, some still believed fighting was the right choice, and some simply didn't grasp his words.
But one thing was certain: As long as Nanami was here, their chances of dying were close to zero...
~~~
Passing through a gate resembling a triumphal arch, they descended the sacred mountain via a magical ropeway. It felt as though they were riding a cable car.
As the city came into view, people could be seen bowing in prayer. It seemed they were being revered as divine apostles.
'How twisted… both the people and their god.' Nanami thought, certain this was why they were brought down the mountain so grandly.
But the class had no room for such thoughts... or so he believed, until he noticed some students were already getting excited.
'Will they be alright?'
Suppressing his own unease, Nanami followed Ishtar.
...
At the throne room, they were introduced to the king and other dignitaries before attending a grand banquet.
The warm reception calmed the students somewhat, but the atmosphere was still surreal. When the dignified king kissed the pope's hand, Nanami perceived the immense authority of this god's influence.
Once the banquet ended, everyone was given a private room...
...
In his room, Nanami sat on the bed as he reviewed their situation:
'My watch, notebook… mmh... my wallet is useless here. Will they provide weapons? They might also withhold them out of spite.'
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Just then, a knock interrupted his thoughts. He responded, "Who is it?"
"It's me. Hatayama." Aiko replied.
Wondering what she wanted, Nanami opened the door, only to find the child-like teacher looking like she was about to cry.
Aiko steeled herself and looked up, "Can we… talk?"
"Of course. Here is fine."
Aiko nodded, "Then, c-can I come in?"
"…Pardon me, Hatayama-sensei, you're a woman and a teacher. You shouldn't casually suggest entering a man's room."
"It's fine! After all, it's you, Nanami-sensei," she said.
Nanami nearly asked what she meant by that, but seeing Aiko's strained expression, he realized she was forcing herself to stay strong.
"Come in," he said, offering her a chair.
"Ah, it's fine, I can stand."
"I can't possibly let a guest do that." Nanami insisted she take a sit... partly because looking up would strain Aiko's neck, but he kept that to himself to avoid making her feel patronized.
"So, what did you want to talk about? The future?" he asked.
"That too, but… First, I'm sorry! And thank you!"
"Are you apologizing or expressing gratitude?"
"Both," Aiko said, "Back there, you stopped Amanogawa-kun and the others. I… I couldn't do it. I understood what war meant, I tried desperately to stop them, but no one listened. If you hadn't gotten angry like that… I don't even want to think about what would've happened."
"What I said back there was my genuine opinion, but it was also borrowed wisdom. No need to make a big deal of it–"
"Pfft~" Aiko snickered.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Ah, no, hehe. I just didn't expect Nanami-sensei to read manga with lines like that," Aiko replied.
She had 'mistaken' his earlier words for a manga quote, but Nanami had actually paraphrased a conversation between Tokyo Jujutsu High's principal, Yaga, and Itadori, as relayed to him by Gojo.
But explaining that seemed unnecessary, so he let it slide...
"Still, I don't know if everyone truly understood," he continued, "And in the end, I've only made them more anxious. Right now, they're fine... but, 'What if sensei dies?' I'm sure some of them must be thinking that."
"Y-Yes. Um, Nanami-sensei… sacrificing yourself alone is just…"
"I'm not trying to sacrifice myself. But I'm an adult, and they're children. It's my duty to prioritize them over myself."
"Am I… just a burden?"
"It's more about being the right person for the job. I can fight, so I'll take the front lines. Some (both in this world and among the students) won't think well of me after this. I've made them anxious, after all. But I'm fine with that. Being disliked is part of a teacher's job."
"That's… I don't think that's right," Aiko said.
She aspired to be a dignified teacher, but she never wanted to be disliked. She wanted to be respected and admired. So she couldn't accept Nanami's philosophy.
"It's the truth. Being liked is part of the job, but being disliked is the default... But that's just my perspective. Don't mind me. More importantly, about the future..."
They spent the next while discussing plans for combat training, criteria for approving participation, and other necessities. But Aiko still couldn't bring herself to accept Nanami's way of thinking...
———— ——— ——— ———
Note:-
Nanami's views in the story are his own interpretations and speculations, which may or may not be correct.
Now to address the irony... The words that Aiko had mistaken for a Manga quote, any guesses?