Sobu High School in Chiba Prefecture was also one of the top high schools in the region.
While it lagged behind some of the elite schools in Tokyo, within Chiba Prefecture itself, it was a school that junior high students eagerly aspired to enter.
What was most commendable was that it was a public school, not a private one.
Inside the faculty office of Sobu High School, Shizuka sat in a chair in an unprofessional posture, wearing a white coat that made her look more like a doctor than a teacher. Her long, beautiful legs were crossed, and a pack of cigarettes sat on the desk in front of her. Her hand occasionally rested on it, but the sense of duty as a teacher and the sanctity of the school environment held her back from giving in to temptation.
Standing before her was a beautiful girl in uniform, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. She stood quietly, like a solitary figure.
"You worked hard, Yukinoshita. You handled things well this time. It seems I was right to entrust you with this important task."
"You know, I went against all the opposition and insisted on giving you the position of event head."
Shizuka spoke casually, letting the front legs of her chair lift off the ground as she rocked back and forth at her desk.
Yukino lightly closed her beautiful eyes, holding a thick stack of documents in her arms, and calmly replied, "There was no need to give me that job, Sensei."
Shizuka immediately straightened up and said sternly, "That won't do. As a teacher, I must be concerned about the physical and mental health of every student."
"My physical and mental state is very healthy, and my academic performance is excellent," Yukino replied, still calm.
Shizuka wagged her finger. "See, that's the problem. Drunks always think they're sober, and patients always insist they're not sick."
A vein bulged on Yukino's forehead. "Sensei, are you saying I'm mentally ill?"
"I never said that, Yukinoshita, don't misunderstand. I just can't stand your reclusive habits. Maybe it's fine now, but you'll definitely regret it when you grow up."
"The sooner it's corrected, the better."
Shizuka advised earnestly.
She wasn't usually the type to say such things. She preferred to use direct methods to push people into action.
But Yukino, for some reason, had been acting even more withdrawn recently, which forced Shizuka to give her work—and also some talk therapy.
"Then what kind of person does Sensei want me to become?"
"I'm not bragging, but if you could become someone like your Sensei, that would be more than successful."
"Nearly thirty and still can't find a boyfriend? Is that considered success?"
Bang—
Shizuka felt something snap in her mind.
She already knew this girl always spoke with a strong sense of self, but did she have to be so venomous and expose people's weaknesses?
"It seems I need to give you more work."
"I refuse!"
"Refusal is not an option. I'm the teacher, and you're the student. You have no choice but to listen to me."
"I don't think becoming someone who uses their position as a teacher to oppress students is a good goal."
"You're deliberately trying to piss me off, aren't you!"
Shizuka snapped.
After a brief pause, she softened her tone. "Yukinoshita, you did a great job this time. The students and teachers at Sobu High were all very satisfied with your performance."
"So, how did it feel? Completing something with others and achieving success together—did it make you feel happy? Did you understand the value of teamwork?"
Yukino turned her head slightly. "It was the same with or without them. They were only in the way."
"I admit they were immature, and their work wasn't great at first, but your initial work wasn't smooth either, was it? You're saying one thing but meaning another. You have to admit, you couldn't have done it all on your own. You needed help and cooperation."
Shizuka's words silenced Yukino.
She didn't like being lectured, didn't like being told how to live or what to do.
But Shizuka was different. She seemed tough, but she never made you feel rejected. She preferred to let you experience things firsthand, and then realize them on your own.
Yukino also knew that in order to put her in charge of this matter, Shizuka had argued with the school president, the director, and the teachers to get it approved.
Soft-hearted as she was, Yukino couldn't help but feel a faint sense of gratitude toward her.
Then Shizuka said, "Yukinoshita, have you heard of Advanced Nurturing High School?"
"You mean that school in Tokyo with a special education method?"
"Yes. Around the start of the new semester, for various reasons, their education system changed. While the school still follows the survival of the fittest philosophy, it can't be as reckless as before due to lack of sponsorship."
She paused, then muttered to herself, "...As an educator, I don't agree with their philosophy. Competition is fine, but if you only teach students to compete without instilling character and the beauty of human nature, you'll ruin them."
"Judging by their graduation rate, the school is a failure. Sure, they've produced some excellent individuals, but the crime rate among graduates is also high, especially financial crimes."
"I don't know if they learned it at school, but they use crooked means to harm others instead of improving themselves, and they keep doing it after graduation, eventually getting caught by the law."
Shizuka sighed deeply.
"So what exactly are you trying to say, Sensei?"
"Oh, Yukinoshita, can't you let me finish? Fine, don't make that face. Actually, I wanted to say that you have more work."
"More work?"
Yukino's voice rose without her realizing it.
She had been so busy lately that she could barely sleep. Dark circles were already forming under her eyes.
"This time, it's thanks to your sister that Sobu High was able to organize a joint event with Tokyo University. Everyone from the president down to the teachers fully supported her."
"You know, with Japan's declining birthrate, student enrollment is a huge issue. Being able to host a joint event with Tokyo University proves Sobu High's capability."
"And a member of your sister's club happens to have a connection with Advanced Nurturing High School. That school knows it's unpopular in the education world."
"They've lost both government and corporate support and need to change. To start, they want to ease tensions with other schools. Since they've already burned bridges in Tokyo, they're trying with schools in Chiba Prefecture to gain some experience."
The moment she heard her sister's name, Yukino unconsciously clenched her fists.
She didn't know if Shizuka had brought it up intentionally or just to provoke her.
If my sister can do it, why can't I?
That was the only thought in her mind.
"So, now we also have to do a joint event with Advanced Nurturing High School?"
"That's right."
"I thought it would be Shuchiin Academy."
"Schools like that wouldn't host joint events with commoner schools. Brahmins don't associate with Shudras."
Shizuka joked at her own expense.
"We'll have competitive matches with Advanced Nurturing High School?"
"Yes."
"Do you think we can win?"
"Although they have a lot of average students, they also have quite a few odd ones. Theoretically, we're no match, but we do have a chance."
"Why?"
"They won't send the whole school, only a selection of top students from one grade. But because they're all top students, they lack a clear leader. There's bound to be internal distrust and chaos."
Shizuka grinned slyly.
Yukino couldn't help but say, "The way you're talking now is pretty similar to Advanced Nurturing High School's philosophy."
"Honestly, I'd love to teach there. It sounds fun. So, Yukino, are you in?"
"I..."
Just as Yukino hesitated, a girl suddenly burst into the room and excitedly shouted, "If she won't do it, I will!"
Shizuka blinked. "Classmate Isshiki, what's going on?"
Iroha Isshiki's eyes sparkled. "Fujiwara-sama! Fujiwara-sama is coming to our Sobu High! If Yukinoshita-senpai doesn't want to do it, then I'll be in charge. That way, I'll have a chance to interact with Fujiwara-sama!"
"Fujiwara..."
Hearing the name, Shizuka felt her mind blank.
Ever since Toru became famous, she realized the boy she'd casually met at a ramen shop had such power and background.
Both online and in real life, she now hesitated to have much contact with him.
Just like Yukino said, as an almost-thirty-year-old woman, what could she possibly use to attract such an outstanding young man?
Yukino suddenly said firmly, "Classmate Isshiki, I'm the one in charge. Your role is to assist me."
...
A silver Porsche 911 stopped in front of a coffee shop near Ikebukuro.
Under the surprised gazes of passersby, Toru stepped out of the car.
He nodded at the front desk of the Live House on the first floor, then headed straight up to the second.
"Welcome... huh, Boss?!"
Shiina Taki, who was working upstairs, had just bowed out of habit when she saw Toru walk in. Flustered, she didn't know what to do with her hands and feet.
"Shiina, how's work going here?"
Shiina looked a bit embarrassed. Although she had a cute face, her personality was a little tomboyish. She awkwardly replied, "I-it's going well."
"That's good."
Toru smiled.
At that moment, he glanced around the coffee shop. His gaze landed on a table.
There sat a beautiful young girl, graceful and elegant like a refined lady, quietly enjoying her coffee. Her posture was delicate, and beside her was a long stick that looked like a mix between a cane and a hiking pole.
(To be continued.)
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