Chapter 1
Here is the translation for chapter 1 of Hijikata’s route! Common route translation is by yuugs, and the Hijikata-specific scenes translations are by shizuumi. Proofreading by shizuumi, kuririn and dei-hime.
―― June ――
As the calendar turned to the next page, our uniforms turned to summer ones as well.
In April and May, I was so desperate to get used to high school life that the months just flew by….
‘Lately, I think I’ve finally made a place for myself in my life at Hakuo Academy.’
Of course, it was still an environment meant for boys, so I still felt a little out of place. But thanks to my reliable friends and teachers, I was living a fulfilling life at school——
Two months have passed since I began high school. It was a clear and sunny morning in June. When I came to school, immediately after entering the building, the first thing I felt was an odd atmosphere.
As I climbed the stairs, just as I turned onto the landing——
Chizuru Yukimura: “Wah!?”
???: “Ah!”
I collided with the student rushing around the corner, and ended up falling on my butt.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Ow…"
Susumu Yamazaki: “Yukimura-kun? Sorry…”
Hajime Saitou: “I told you not to rush, Yamazaki. Are you alright, Yukimura?”
I looked up into two faces I recognized. Saitou-senpai was holding a textbook under one arm. He held out his hand to me.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Ah… yes, I’m alright."
Trying not to overthink it, I grabbed his hand and he pulled me upright.
Chizuru Yukimura: ”…Thank you for that.“
Chizuru Yukimura:: "I’m sorry, Yamazaki-senpai. I wasn’t being careful.”
As I bowed deeply to the two of them, I noticed a second year textbook had fallen to the floor.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Isn’t this your textbook, Yamazaki-senpai?”
Susumu Yamazaki: “O-Oh, did I drop it? …I didn’t notice. Thanks.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “……”
Something was off. Yamazaki’-senpai’s eyes had kind of a glazed look, and there were dark circles underneath them. Saitou-senpai also looked tired.
This seems…
[Are you alright?]
[Are you not getting enough sleep?]
Chizuru Yukimura: “Are you getting enough sleep?”
Susumu Yamazaki: “Well, um, that’s just how it is right now… It’s no big deal.”
Hajime Saitou: “Right. The real pain will begin next week or so."
Chizuru Yukimura: “…?”
They smiled bitterly, and then turned away. As they did…their gait seemed uneven. They said it wasn’t a big deal, but it didn’t look that way.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if they’re okay…”
I was getting more and more worried, but I didn’t have much time left before homeroom. Without another word, I hurried off to my classroom.
All morning, the school had been filled with chattering students. The hallway before the classrooms was especially lively. Maybe it was because classes hadn’t started yet. Having gotten to know them over the last two months, I exchanged greetings with my classmates in the hall as I headed to my classroom. On the way, I saw familiar faces in the distance and suddenly stopped in my tracks.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai?"
I thought that was a freshman classroom. Why would two sophomores be there? It would be time for Homeroom soon…
[Call out to them]
[Leave them alone]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai!”
I called out to them, waving. Both of them noticed me and immediately came over.
Heisuke Toudou: “Yo, Chizuru. G’morning!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Morning, Heisuke-kun. Did you guys just come back from practice?"
Souji Okita: "Yep. Been working like dogs all morning.”
They were part of the kendo club, which often met in the morning. On days when there was morning training, Heisuke and I couldn’t walk to school together. I got a bit lonely those days… But seeing him trying his hardest made me happy.
Chizuru Yukimura: “But why are you guys here? This is a first year classroom…”
Heisuke Toudou: “That’s… well, the thing is… We were just passing by…”
Souji Okita: “Why not be honest? This guy came by ‘cause he was worried about you.”
Heisuke Toudou: “Ah! Hey, Souji!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Worried…about me?” I blinked in surprise. Heisuke rubbed his head and mumbled.
Heisuke Toudou: “I mean, you’re surrounded by a bunch of guys, right? I’m worried they might pick on you or something.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “No, no, I’m alright. I’ve made a lot of friends in my class these past new months.”
Souji Okita: “There you go. Yet here he comes anyway, worrying his little head off about you. Pretty stalker-ish vibes, don’t you think?"
Heisuke Toudou: "W-Who you calling a stalker! I’m not anything like one!”
I smiled at Okita-senpai’s and Heisuke-kun’s bickering.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Anyway, guys, I think the bell’s about to ring.”
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, crap! You’re right!”
Souji Okita: “Well, we’ll probably see you at lunch later.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Yup!”
After seeing them off, I went back to enter the classroom…
When I did, I took out my textbook and notebook to get ready for class. The bell rang as soon as I’d finished, and I heard the sound of the door opening.
Sanosuke Harada: “Take your seats, guys. Homeroom’s starting.”
As Harada-sensei came in, everyone rushed to their seats.
Classmate A: “Stand! Bow!”
Sanosuke Harada: “All right, morning!”
Everyone in class: “Good morning!”
Sanosuke Harada: “Time for attendance…is what I was going to say, but it seems like everyone’s here. Raise a hand if not.”
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You can’t do that if you’re not here…”
Ibuki-kun startled me by suddenly speaking up. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. Harada-sensei did make jokes like this at times. He really was a friendly, kind teacher.
Sanosuke Harada: “Now then, you all started school two months ago, and now it’s June. With that being the case…Though you might already know this, our school’s midterm exams start in two weeks! Make sure to study diligently, you guys. Put your feet up and slack off, and who knows what horrors you might be tempting?” Harada-sensei smirked as if he knew something we didn’t.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Horrors…?”
Sanosuke Harada: “If you think this’ll be the same as tests back in middle school, you’ll be in for a bad time. As you all know, Hakuo Academy has a teacher that’s much more passionate about educating its students than other schools do.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Passionate about educating, meaning–”
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “…It’s Hijikata-sensei, isn’t it?”
Sanosuke Harada: “Well, so it goes. Following a certain teacher’s suggestion, there’ll be penalties for students with lower scores. Those scoring less than 50% in a subject will receive a special homework assignment, and must clean all the school’s windows.“
Everyone in class: ”……“
As Harada-sensei with his explanation, everyone in class got paler and paler.
Sanosuke Harada: “Below 30% gets you cleaning corridors on top of the additional homework… And below that, the punishments get extra special.”
Chizuru Yukimura: ”'Special,’ he says…“
Sanosuke Harada: "Below 20% means doing a problem set, weeding the school yard, and a week of additional classes!”
Classmate A: “Whaaaaat?!”
Sanosuke Harada: “Sorry, but it’s already set in stone. Don’t like it? Then study like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t think anyone should get lower than 50%. If you study then you’ll be in the clear, right?”
While listening to Harada-sensei, I recalled what happened this morning. The reason why Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai seemed so off was probably this.
Chizuru Yukimura: “……”
While I didn’t mind studying, there was no way I’d want extra homework.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What would that guy do to me if I got myself stuck in supplemental classes…?!” Ibuki’s face drained of all color, and he hung his head.
This was going to be difficult. I would have to brace myself… The midterm exams would begin the week after next. Although I thought June’s hardships were over, the real battle was just around the corner.
After morning classes had finished, it was finally time for lunch. ‘Am I worrying too much about the tests? I feel kind of weird today,’ I thought.
Chizuru Yukimura: “I should go to the cafeteria for the time being.”
Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were probably waiting for me…After quickly putting my school supplies away, I headed for the cafeteria.
For Hakuo Academy students, there were essentially three ways to get lunch. Some students brought a bento from home, and some bought their lunches at the school store. But the most popular lunch choice was to buy a meal from the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Wow…”
The school lunches were all delicious and affordable. It was no wonder they were so popular. I usually brought a bento, but sometimes I didn’t feel like having one. Since it was so popular, it was jam-packed by the time I got there.
Genzaburou Inoue: “Hey, you there! Line up properly! There are plenty of meals to go around…Hey now…! Don’t argue over the rice! Remember your manners and share!”
The beloved school chef, Inoue-san, was also managing the cafeteria. It looked like he was doing a good job sorting the students out, as usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun isn’t here yet, huh…?” ‘I’ll get in the way if I stand and wait here. What should I do?’ the moment the thought passed through my mind…
???: “You’re in the way. Move.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh…?”
A voice rang out from the other side of the crowd. Immediately afterwards, the masses parted, splitting into two. Imperious as ever, the figure which emerged between them was…
Chizuru Yukimura: “K-Kazama-senpai…”
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai pushed away annoyed students left and right, creating an empty clearing in the otherwise crowded cafeteria.
Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru…? For us to meet here of all places… How serendipitous. As I thought, there is a strong bond of fate between us. Don’t you agree?”
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha–”
Kyou Shiranui: “Is it? You go to the same school with the same cafeteria. Wouldn’t it be weirder if you didn’t see each other?”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “It is strange, now that you mention it… That you have never encountered each other here until today is rather more mysterious.”
Chikage Kazama: “……”
Kyou Shiranui: “Don’t sound like much of a bond to me.”
Chikage Kazama: “……No matter. Whatever the peanut gallery says, rest assured that our meeting today was destiny. As such, I will have your lunch prepared. Order whatever you wish.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh?!”
Chikage Kazama: “What’s wrong? There’s no need to hold back. Even if you want everything on the menu, I won’t mind.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “That’s not what I’m worried about…! At any rate, treating me to so much is unfair to you!”
Chikage Kazama: “That modesty is a virtue of yours, but I insist that it’s fine. ….Or is it something else? Does the cafeteria food not suit your palate?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “T-That’s not the case at all! It’s delicious! It’s just that……”
As I shook my head, the number of people waiting for food was increasing. Maybe because of how we stood out in the middle, other students couldn’t get in line…The people who were stuck around us were getting angry. ‘W-What should I do…?’ I was so conflicted that I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. Then–
???: “You again, Kazama!!”
An ear-splitting yell descended upon us.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Just what do you think you’re doing, harassing the female student in the middle of the cafeteria? Can’t you see she’s about to cry!?”
Chikage Kazama: “Ha. How ludicrous… You say that as if I were the one who made her cry.”
Kyou Shiranui: “…You say it, Amagiri.”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “Well, I can say we never intended in the slightest to make her cry…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Then why is she holding back tears? …And why is everyone packed like sardines in here? Out with it.”
Chikage Kazama: “My wife’s eyes are full of tears due to her gratitude for my superb generosity. As to the cafeteria, it just happens to be crowded today. To falsely accuse a single student of being responsible is unbefitting of a teacher such as yourself.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “There’s a suspicious clearing around you and you only! Put two and two together, and it can only be your fault!”
Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai always fought like cats and dogs, and their terrible relationship was infamous at school. Sparks flew the moment they met, and it only ever grew more and more extreme.
Chizuru Yukimura: “……”
When I saw Hijikata-sensei coming earlier, I thought everything would be sorted. It relieved me from the bottom of my heart… But far from improving anything, the situation seemed like it was only going to get worse.
Chizuru Yukimura: “…W-What do I do…?”
[Stand and watch]
[Forcibly break them up]
I was a bit scared to intervene, but if I didn’t do something, they’d trouble even more people. Summoning my determination, I took a deep breath and called out to them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Hijikata-sensei, Kazama-senpai!”
Chikage Kazama: “Look now, Hijikata. Your quibbling has even annoyed my wife as well. If you’ve so much time to kill that you can stick your nose in other’s love lives, why don’t you go on and eat whatever you do for lunch?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Um…! The people around here are…!”
Toshizou Hijikata: “I was on my way to eat when I had to deal with the nuisance in the room… By the way, don’t get it twisted. She isn’t married to you, nor does she plan on marrying you.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “……Please listen to what I have to say!!”
Hijikata ＆ Kazama: “———”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Anyway, let’s clear out of here!”
I forcibly grabbed both of their arms, and dragged them out of the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: “…Don’t you realize that making such a racket would bother everyone else?”
My heart was still pounding from raising my voice… But looking back at the cafeteria, the traffic seemed to smooth itself out thanks to the odd clearing going away.
Toshizou Hijikata: “…You’re absolutely right. When Kazama is involved, I tend to lose my head.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “N-No… I’m sorry as well. I think I was a little too aggressive…”
Chikage Kazama: “…What are you whispering about over there? Hijikata, don’t stand so close to my wife. Put some distance between you.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “……”
Chikage Kazama: “Hmph… It seems that you finally understand the position you’re in. Now, with you more at ease, I will permit you to eat with me, wife of mine."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh…?”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “As expected of Kazama-sama. The instant the conversation starts to simmer down, he brings it right back up to a boil again, toute suite.”
Kyou Shiranui: “Why does that impress you?”
Amagiri and Shiranui had followed us out of the cafeteria and had begun the a running commentary. But I wish they would help stop it, not play along with it…!
Chikage Kazama: “Hehehe, Hijikata… You’ve gone quiet all of a sudden. Do you have no further comebacks? If so, then leave my sight. Never speak up against my and my bride’s romance again!”
Toshizou Hijikata: ”…You no-good little…!!“
Kyou Shiranui: "Hijikata’s irritated but he’s putting up with it well. Now that’s the response of a respectable adult.”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “Although Kazama-sama is winning, I do wish he would reflect upon his childish behavior…”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Please, tell him something that important directly…!”
Although he has to keep quiet putting up with this, Hijikata-sensei looks ready to explode. And so, I…
Chizuru Yukimura: “U-Um!”
[Sensei! I have a question!]
[Please ask me next time]
[I promised someone else]
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hijikata-sensei, I have a question!!”
Toshizou Hijikata: “…What?”
I’d no choice but to distract him myself. Trying to change the subject, I opened my mouth, and desperately began to ad-lib:
Chizuru Yukimura: “There’s actually something I wanted to ask you about classical literature! I’m having trouble with interpreting the Paulownia section in the Tale of Genji…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Hey. You don’t even have your textbook with you. What are you saying? Have you memorized it?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Uh…”
Chikage Kazama “…How boring.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh…?”
I was confused, Hijikata-sensei looked amazed, and Kazama-senpai looked dissatisfied.
Chikage Kazama: “Just where has this conversation ended up? Don’t tell me you forgot I was here?!”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “Well, the tests are soon upon us. Everyone is concerned with their studies during this time. That’s simply how it is.”
Chikage Kazama: “My interest has dwindled… Let’s go.”
Kyou Shiranui: “Huh?! What about our lunch?!”
Kyuuju Amagiri: “…Give it up, Shiranui. We’ll just buy bread at the school store.
Kyou Shiranui: "Damn it! I was looking forward to eating the cafeteria food!!”
With Shiranui-senpai dissatisfied and Amagiri-senpai troubled, they went to chase down Kazama-senpai, who had already left.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Good grief…”
With those three out of sight, Hijikata-sensei let out a sigh.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Thanks, Yukimura. …You couldn’t bear to just watch, so you interrupted on purpose, right? We would’ve argued to no end if you’d left us to our devices. I appreciate you stopping us.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “N-No, I didn’t really…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “That being said, it seems you’ve caught the interest of some pretty weird types, haven’t you…”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m alright, but I do wonder why Kazama-senpai is so interested in me…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Beats me. I’ve known him for a long time, but I still can’t tell what he’s thinking. Don’t think about it too much.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…Yes, sir…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Also, if you really have a question, come and ask me anytime. …Do you like classic texts?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Yes!”
Toshizou Hijikata: “I see…” a smile flickered on Hijikata-sensei’s face. “There are plenty of others besides the Tale of Genji. Look forward to them.” Then his expression turned stern. "That you need to be careful now goes without saying. Don’t neglect studying for your tests.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Yes. I’ve definitely braced myself for them. I’ll study well!”
After giving me a slight smile, Hijikata-sensei left.
Feeling grateful for his kindness, I smiled at his back as I watched him leave.
As the days went by, the older students, who already knew how severe the penalties were, grew more and more desperate. Seeing them also made us grow more anxious as well, as freshmen. The strange tension that enveloped Hakuo Academy just kept growing stronger.
And then…
―― 7 days until the tests ――
While we studied for our tests day after day, Harada-sensei looked around at our exhausted faces and grinned from his podium.
Sanosuke Harada: “Looking good, guys. It looks like you lot finally understand how serious we are about our tests.”
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What does he mean, 'looking good’? This is just agony…”
Sanosuke Harada: “Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like I don’t get what you’re going through. Just think of this as a rite of passage. This is what you signed up for enrolling into Hakuo Academy. There’s no turning back now. Anyway, just do your best.”
Everyone in class: “……”
What he said was irrefutably correct. Everyone lost the will to argue, and went silent.
―― 6 days until the tests ――
That day, I ran into Kazama-senpai in the corridor without expecting to. Naturally, Amagiri-senpai
and Shiranui-senpai were shadowing him, as usual.
Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru. Less than a week remains until testing begins. Are you studying properly?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I am. I’m working at my own pace, and it’s going fairly well, I think…”
'How about you, Kazama-senpai?’ …I felt like I didn’t even need to ask. Why? Because he seemed plenty calm, a smug smile spreading across his face.
Chikage Kazama: “These students growing so flustered over mere high school tests is truly unsightly. Don’t you think so?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Uh… T-That’s…”
Kyou Shiranui: "Uh, no, 'cause high school students are bound to freak out over high school tests. Rather than unsightly, it’s just normal.
Kyuuju Amagiri: ”…Kazama-sama. If we do not depart soon, you will be late for your next lesson.“
Chikage Kazama: “Hmph. Whether or not I attend any classes, there’s not a single thing the test will cover that I won’t understand… But very well. Let us show our faces in class for today. Well then, I bid you farewell.”
I was left standing alone in the hallway, overwhelmed as Kazama-senpai swaggered off with an arrogant look on his face.
―― 5 days until the tests ――
Chizuru Yukimura: “Good morning, Saitou-senpai.”
Hajime Saitou: “Is that you, Yukimura? Morning.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “You still have disciplinary committee work in the mornings even though we only have five days until the tests. That must be hard…”
Hajime Saitou: “No, it’s important to accumulate knowledge on a regular basis in order to study properly. So there’s no point in panicking just before a test.”
Just what you’d expect from Saitou-senpai…
Hajime Saitou: “However, all sports and culture clubs have suspended their activities for the tests. So since Heisuke’s not with you, he must be late. One strike for him.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “N-No, he’s on class duty today, so he should’ve arrived before me!”
Hajime Saitou: “Come to think of it, he might’ve passed by a short while ago…”
Looking at him more closely, I could see the dark bags under Saitou-senpai’s eyes. On the surface, he looked as dignified as ever, but his grip on his pen looked a little shaky, too. Perhaps Saitou-senpai was staying up late studying too…
―― 4 days until the tests ――
On Saturday, I was studying in my room, when suddenly my cell phone rang.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Okita-senpai…?”
‘A message with a picture attached, as usual. Let’s have a look…’
He’s making a peace sign at the camera, with an odd-looking plushie hanging from his hand.
“I won a toy that I thought you’d like. I’ll give it to you at school. I’ll bring it up to your classroom for you.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “……”
‘What kind of tastes does he think I have? Moreover…’
Chizuru Yukimura: “Even though it’s a Saturday with tests right around the corner, he still finds time to fool around!”
―― 3 days until the tests ――
It was Sunday morning.
I decided to do a little sweeping by the front door for a change of pace. At that moment, Heisuke-kun appeared, staggering.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun?! Are you okay…!?”
Heisuke Toudou: “Chizuru… Mornin’…”
He had terrible, dark bags under his eyes and his eyes were hollow. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even walk straight.
Heisuke Toudou: “I-I’m on the verge of falling asleep… So I’m running a lap around the block. Must…stay…awake…”
Chizuru Yukimura: “But if you don’t sleep a little, you won’t last until the test!"
Heisuke Toudou: "No way! I’m not done studying yet! I’ll totally flunk it!! Don’t stop me, Chizuru! Don’t stop me! I’m not ready to die yet!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Wait, Heisuke-kun! A whole lap around the block is too much no matter how you look at it—”
I tried to stop him, but he’d already run off… While watching his disappearing figure staggering in zigzags down the road, I could only pray for his safety.
―― 2 days until the tests ――
During recess.
I gathered my class’s printouts and brought them to the staff room…
Toshizou Hijikata: “……”
Hijikata-sensei, looking particularly annoyed, was sighing deeply. He looked no better than the students, just as exhausted by pre-test frenzy.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Is something wrong, Hijikata-sensei?”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Those guys are so tired from cramming that they sleep through my classes. Because of them, I’m screaming my lungs out every morning. Classes are a key part of test preparations. Their priorities are all backwards!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…You’ve been working really hard…”
‘I think they just stay up all night studying out of fear of punishment…’ Even though I understood Hijikata-sensei’s concerns, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
―― At last, the day before the test ――
Chizuru Yukimura: “Finally, it’s tomorrow…”
At the end of the school day, while I was putting away my textbooks, I glanced to the desk beside mine…
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “……”
Ibuki-kun sat here, engrossed in his studies, showing no signs of getting up to go home.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Ibuki-kun, aren’t you going home?”
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “Ah… I wouldn’t be able to study even if I did. Since Serizawa-san’s there…”
Ibuki-kun often mentions him when we talk. It seems like he doesn’t get along with this ‘Serizawa-san’. With him looking so cornered, I could only bring a forced smile to my lips.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Do your best.”
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You too.”
He gave a little smile, and then, as if he were clinging onto his desk, dived back into his books for the test.
At that moment…
Chizuru Yukimura: “?”
I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. A message notification came up on my screen.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, it’s from Osen-chan.”
Osen-chan is my friend who attends Shimabara Girls’ High School not too far away from my academy.
—–
Sub: Will you be okay for the test?
Chizuru-chan, are you going to be okay for the tests?
I can’t take it anymore~!
I just want to run away from it all~!
But, after we get through these midterms, we definitely need to hang out!
I will survive them on your moral support, Chizuru-chan!!
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: “I see. They have tests at the same time as us. Shimabara High is a sister school to Hakuo Academy, come to think of it…”
“Jeez, Osen-chan…”
Having read her message, I decided to reply right away. ‘But what should I write?’
[I’m looking forward to it!]
[Let’s concentrate on studying!]
“'Don’t try to escape reality!’ …Send.”
We had to concentrate on our studies right now. I told her that in a reply, and after a little while…
—–
RE: Will you be okay for the test?
Chizuru-chan, you’re too serious…
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: “…W-Well, I should study for tomorrow.”
I messed that one up. My chest tightened a little. I’d properly make it up to her once the tests were over and done with. Having decided that, I left the classroom.
‘Now then…’
Chizuru Yukimura: "Guess I’m not heading home right away today. I’ll stop by the library.”
Just like Ibuki-kun said, there are all kinds of distractions at home that might hamper concentration. ‘Tomorrow’s test day. The real deal. I have to do my absolute best today!’
I headed to the library with that in mind, but it seemed that everyone else had had the same idea. The library was practically overflowing with students. It was much more crowded than usual. I managed to somehow find an open seat, and started revising my notes.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Uh-huh…”
I started with Classical Literature for 30 minutes. Before I went on to cover the questions I didn’t get, I suddenly stopped writing.
Chizuru Yukimura: “…Right. I should find a reference book since I’m at the library…”
With that in mind, I went through the bookshelves sorted by subject to look for the book I needed.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Ah…Is it that one?”
There it was, on the topmost shelf: a reference book on classical literature, complete with a glossary. Hijikata-sensei recommended this one, saying it was especially useful, since it included detailed explanations as well.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hm…Huh…Alrighty then…"
I reached for the book on the top shelf with all my might. But with my height, I couldn’t reach it even while stretching my hand.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Just a little further…!”
???: “You looking for this one?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “……”
A hand suddenly stretched out from behind me, the scent of tobacco surrounding me. I froze. And when I turned around in my confusion, his face was much closer than I expected.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Toshizou Hijikata: “Ahh… This is the book I recommended. I see you remembered it, huh? Kids these days don’t appreciate all you do for them. You recommend them some books, meaning to be helpful, and they just forget the moment they’re out of the classroom.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Whoa!!” Belatedly, I yelped in surprise.
Toshizou Hijikata: “…You’re real jumpy, aren’t you? Relax a little.”
Chizuru Yukimura:: “S-Sorry..!”
That was such an idiotic reaction on my part. My face flushed with embarrassment the moment I realized it.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Um, it’s just… I never thought that I’d see you in a place like this.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Whether I’m here or anywhere else in the school, I’m still a staff member here. I visit the library too when I need to.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…I see…" ‘What do I do?’ I was so embarrassed I wished I could run away…!
Toshizou Hijikata: "Here, take it.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “T-Thank you for helping me.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “You’re welcome. But still… The library is usually so deserted. But before a test, it’s swarming with people. If only they were always this willing to study without needing to be motivated by penalties. That’d be much better.”
Hijikata-sensei nodded bluntly, looking over the library with a somewhat bewildered expression.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Anyway, Yukimura. Haven’t I told you that you can ask me anytime if there’s something you don’t get in classical literature?”
His stern gaze had me fidgeting nervously, but I decided to speak my mind.
Chizuru Yukimura: “But… You’ve been looking very tired lately… I felt bad wasting your time by bothering you with questions…”
Toshizou Hijikata: “So I really look so tired that even students have started worrying, huh.” He nodded solemnly; it seemed he was perfectly aware of his own exhaustion.
Toshizou Hijikata: "More importantly, how are your studies going?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “R-Right. I think I’m working hard enough that I won’t suffer any penalties.”
For a brief moment, a faint smile flickered on Hijikata-sensei’s face. But it turned into a strict frown the very next second.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Yukimura. I’ll tell you now: You won’t get any special treatment. The fact that you’re the only girl in the whole school in no ways means that we’ll go easy on you.”
As he fixed me with a stern look, I said…
[I’m ready to face it.]
[I’ll be fine!]
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m gonna be fine!”
Toshizou Hijikata: “I-…Is that right…?” Hijikata blinked in surprise at my cheerful response.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Thinking about the penalty does get me a little nervous… But it’d be unfair for everyone else for me to get a lighter punishment just because I’m a girl.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “But it was meant for the boys in the first place. Cleaning the whole school may end up needing a lot of physical labor… That’d be much tougher than doing the homework, don’t you think?”
He carefully chose his words, as if trying to make sure that I understood what he meant.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Even if it’s tough, there’s no helping it.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “……”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Everyone in the academy already attends so much to my needs. On top of being able to attend the same school, I shouldn’t let myself be spoiled by everyone’s kindness too much…”
As I carefully spoke my mind, Hijikata-sensei nodded silently.
Toshizou Hijikata: “It’s good that you understand that. You know, any other student in your position could’ve said something pathetic along the lines of: I’m a girl, so please go easy on me’… I would have deeply regretted accepting you into our school if you turned out to be like that.”
As he said that, his gaze on me was surprisingly calm.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Yukimura. You’ve got guts. That’s one of your strengths. Keep doing your best.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…I will!”
He gave me a little smile and nodded at my words. Seeing that, I relaxed a little as well.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Um, Hijikata-sensei. Can I ask you one thing?”
Toshizou Hijikata: “What is it?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “There’s something I got curious about while we were talking… Could it be that you were the one who came up with the idea of having penalties?”
Upon hearing my question, the soft expression on Mr. Hijikata’s face changed momentarily.
Toshizou Hijikata: “…Well, yeah. Maybe it’s a bit too harsh, but I absolutely must raise the schools’ grades by all means possible. If it’s for the sake of students’ grades… I’m willing to do anything.”
In his eyes, I saw a glimpse of something hidden deep within his heart.
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you that.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “…No, it’s fine. Anyway, don’t you also think that the penalties are too strict?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…I don’t know. It’s my first time facing them, so I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. But…" After a brief pause, I continued, "There’s a reason you had to do it this way, right? In that case, I’ll trust your judgement, and do my best as well.”
Hijikata stared at me with a look of surprise. And then…
Toshizou Hijikata: “You’re pretty cheeky, aren’t you?” His face unexpectedly relaxed into a droll smile. "I assume you’re going to stay here and study for a while, but be sure to return home before it gets dark. Nothing good will come out of last minute cramming anyway. …Got it?“
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, sir. Thank you very much.”
As I bowed, he nodded in return and then quickly left the library.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Well, I’ll go work for a little longer…!”
Thanks to chatting with Hijikata-sensei, my mind had cleared up. I felt like I could definitely solve all the questions that seemed too hard for me before. After all, with the reference book that Mr. Hijikata recommended, I had a powerful ally on my side.
The day of the test had finally arrived. It was time for the real thing at last. I studied as much as I possibly could, but still felt a bit anxious…
The tests had finally started. I thought back to Hijikata-sensei’s words. Even though my nerves made me freeze up somewhat, I could feel myself gradually growing calmer.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Okay… Let’s do this!”
[Minigame Pass]
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m in good condition. I’ll do fine.”
The test today had a blank column in which I was able to fill out my answer sheet completely. ‘This must’ve also been thanks to Hijikata-sensei…!’
Then, several days later…
Chizuru Yukimura: “What a relief…!”
I saw the test results that had been posted on the notice board, and it lifted the weight off my chest. Of course, avoiding the penalties put me at ease, but I also got a better grade than I expected.
Toshizou Hijikata: “Well done, Yukimura.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Mr. Hijikata!”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Kids who don’t normally study like they mean it already couldn’t get grades like these even if they tried.”
‘Could it be that he came here to praise me…?’ Thinking that made me feel somewhat embarrassed.
Chizuru Yukimura: “I got such good grades thanks to you, Mr. Hijikata."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Huh? What do you mean?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “In the library the day before the test, you gave me that pep talk.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “Ohh, that… You’d have known all that even if I hadn’t said anything.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Even so, Sensei… What you said really resonated with me.”
Toshizou Hijikata: “…I see.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’ll work hard and study diligently every day!”
Hijikata-sensei nodded with a little laugh and kept speaking.
Toshizou Hijikata: “The next time you have any questions you don’t understand, don’t be shy. Make sure you come and ask me, since that’s part of my job as a teacher. …Got it?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hijikata-sensei…”
It was a little embarrassing, but hearing that made me happy as well.
Chizuru Yukimura: “…Thank you very much.”
Not only did I feel relieved that I avoided the penalties, but having Mr. Hijikata’s praise on top of that made me so happy…
I really felt glad that the test results came out. If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to see Mr. Hijikata’s smile in the least.
At last, the tests were over, and the results had been announced…The tension gradually seeped out of the school, and everything slowly went back to normal.
After school, after the test results were announced…I was on my way out of the school building to return home when…
Isami Kondou: “……”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Just now…was that Kondou-sensei?”
Kondou-sensei went around to the back of the school. When I saw that, I paused. ‘There isn’t anything over there, so where is he going…?’ I thought it was kind of mysterious. And so, egged on by my curiosity, I jogged after Kondou-sensei. I went further behind the school… I’d never set foot back here before. After reaching his destination, Kondou-sensei suddenly stopped.
Isami Kondou: “……”
‘What is this place…?’ Towering in front of me was an old gate, and my eyes widened. ‘To think there was such a place here, right on academy campus…’
Isami Kondou: “……”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Um…”
Isami Kondou: “Hm… Yukimura-kun? Why are you here?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m sorry. I saw you heading this way, and curiosity got the better of me…”
Isami Kondou: “Ahh, so that’s what it was.”
Kondou-sensei smiled in understanding, and turned his gaze back towards the gate. The old wooden door was shut tightly, looking like it hadn’t been opened in a long time. It had been two months since I began studying at Hakuo Academy, but I never knew such a place existed until now.
Chizuru Yukimura: “Um, Kondou-sensei. What is this place…?”
Isami Kondou: “‘The Shieikan.’”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh?”
Isami Kondou: “…That’s what it was called, at least. There used to be a swordplay dojo here by that name.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Used to be?”
Isami Kondou: “Yes. As you can see, it’s closed now. There are no students here; there’s no one at all. But the teachings of that dojo are certainly still being passed down… That’s what I believe.”
There was a look in his eyes; almost as if he were lost in a different time, far from the present. I got the feeling that this must’ve been a very important place to Kondou-sensei.
Isami Kondou: “I always come here whenever I want to return to my roots…This place, the Shieikan, is Hakuo Academy’s starting point.”
Kondou-sensei put his hand on the place where I expected the sign must have once hung, and his eyes shut, lost in nostalgia.
…'Shieikan.’ As if to confirm the word, I mouthed it to myself. That name… I felt as if I’d heard it before…
Chizuru Yukimura: ”……“
Looking at me as I thought about it, Kondou-sensei smiled and kept talking.
Isami Kondou: “Yukimura-kun, it looks like the sun is about to set. Don’t you think it’s time for you to head home?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, right. That’s true. It’s already so late…”
Isami Kondou: “By the way, I heard from Toshi. It looks like you got some magnificent test results this time around.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hijikata-sensei said that?”
Isami Kondou: “Yes, you’re the most talented woman in the history of Hakuo Academy! It truly is magnificent!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “…Thank you very much.”
There was no hint of lies or flattery in Kondou-sensei’s cheerful words… I remembered how he delivered them while walking away, and I felt a little embarrassed.
Isami Kondou: “A student has a duty to study, so I want you to continue trying your hardest! But of course, it’s not just your studies. If you also have fun living your everyday life at Hakuo Academy… As this school’s principal, I’d be very happy!”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Yes!”
Returning his nod as he smiled, I looked back at ‘Shieikan’ only once. He had called it the ‘starting point’ for the school. I wonder what that meant…? Questions along those lines came to mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder at such a mystery…
Anyway, I would do my best from here forward. I smiled, in high spirits.