Chapter 1
Here is Chapter 1 of Kaoru's route! Translating was done by yuugs and shizuumi. Proofreading done by shizuumi, kuririn, yuugs, 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: "I've heard those two are often running late...Yeah, I'll leave them be."
I decided to watch them go on their way without a word, passing up the chance to talk with them.
When I entered the classroom, 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.
“Phew...” with all the meal sets having such big portions, I was full before I even realized it.
I started heading back to my classroom before lunch ended. I was walking down the hallway feeling content, when…
???: “Your expression is especially foolish today, Chizuru.”
I looked back in confusion to see Kaoru and Saitou-senpai standing side by side.
Chizuru Yukimura: “H-Hello, Saitou-senpai. And Kaoru…”
Kaoru Nagumo: “That’s some greeting. From your tone, it sounds as if you’re unhappy to see me.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I didn’t mean it like that… but, um, was I really making such a strange face?”
Kaoru Nagumo: “Yes, an unbearably stupid one. Honestly, I’m saying this as your brother: it’s deplorable.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Ugh…”
Hajime Saitou: “...Yukimura, mind him. Nagumo is putting it a bit too harshly.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “You think so...?”
Hajime Saitou: “I do. I haven’t thought such a thing about your expression even once today. If I had to put it into words, I’d say you looked remarkably happy just nowー”
Kaoru Nagumo: “That’s a rather mild way to put it. Just tell it to her straight: her face looked like the lights were on, but no one was home.”
Hajime Saitou: “T-That’s not true. Although she looked a little inattentive, nevertheless…”
I couldn’t keep myself composed as they commented back and forth on my expression. I spoke up, hoping to change the subject:
Chizuru Yukimura: “M-more importantlyー have you gotten close with Saitou-senpai, Kaoru? You hang out during lunch, and seem to get along.”
Kaoru wasn’t a people person by any stretch, so I was glad he found such a nice senior to get along with. Kaoru just snorted at my relieved expression.
Kaoru Nagumo: “That’s rich. But I’d appreciate it if you stopped misunderstanding and making your mind up about my business without my asking you to.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “What…?”
Kaoru Nagumo: “I’m not buddy-buddy with this guy, okay? Not now, and not ever. If I didn’t have tedious work to do for the disciplinary committee again today, I’d have no reason to spend time with him.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hey, now…. You’ll offend Saitou-senpai if you keep talking like that.”
Before Kaoru could respond to my admonishing him, Saitou-senpai shook his head.
Hajime Saitou: “I appreciate your concern, but you don’t need to worry about it.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Saitou-senpai…”
Hajime Saitou: “He’s always like this.”
It was as if he could do nothing but resign himself to the idea that even remarking on it would be pointless. And in the end, it seemed like the senpai-kouhai divide also kept them apart. But I still thought Kaoru’s attitude was a problem. ...But what could I do about it?
[Scold him seriously.]
[Just leave it at that.]
Chizuru Yukimura: “Kaoru. You shouldn’t take advantage of Saitou-senpai’s tolerance like that.”
Kaoru Nagumo: “...Hm?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Even you wouldn’t like other people talking about you the way you have been about him, right?”
Kaoru’s eyes widened in surprise, but he wouldn’t back down. Far from it…
Kaoru Nagumo: “Like I care. If we’re talking about failings, you’re worse than I am.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “M-Me?”
Kaoru rattled on without pause.
Kaoru Nagumo: “You should be more aware of the school’s disciplinary measures. Are you even preparing for the tests properly?”
Chizuru Yukimura: “I-I’m going to from now onー”
Kaoru Nagumo: “Not to mention all the weirdos hanging around you. If you don’t get yourself togetherー”
Hajime Saitou: “Nagumo. Yukimura’s not a child. There’s no need to nitpick so much.”
Kaoru Nagumo: “Would the outsider mind keeping out of this? We’re siblings, and this is a family matter.”
Despite Saitou-senpai throwing me a lifeline, Kaoru wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise with the way he was carrying on. It felt like he was going to drag it out to no end, butー
[Stand firm and retort]
[Accept his words sincerely]
Chizuru Yukimura: “...You’re right…” My shoulders drooped a little. “You’re only telling me all this because you know how helpless I am…”
Kaoru Nagumo: “Huh? Th-that’s notー”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Thanks. I’ll try to do better not to worry you, so you don’t need to say things like that anymore.”
Even though he had me in low spirits after all his criticism, I forced a smile to my face, trying my hardest not to look pathetic.
Kaoru Nagumo: “N-no, no, I mean, I was also...I also spoke a bit out of line just then…”
Kaoru Nagumo: “...... ...I can’t understand why you always have to look at the good side of things.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh…?” At Kaoru’s mumble, I could only stare at him, open-mouthed.
After seeming to choose his words with particular care, Saitou-senpai spoke up:
Hajime Saitou: “...Don’t worry, Yukimura. You’ve done nothing wrong. Nagumo just has trouble being honest. So don’t worry about it, and let’s head to class. Lunch break is nearly over.”
Chizuru Yukimura: “R-right…”
I told Saitou-senpai I was heading off, and hurried to my classroom.
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 tests?
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!]
Chizuru Yukimura: “'I’m looking forward to it!’ …and send.”
I think it’s easier to persevere when there’s a prize waiting for you after all the struggle.
A short while after I sent it, Osen-chan replied.
—–
RE: Will you be okay for the tests?
Definitely!
Let’s both do our best!
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: “Hehe…”
I could feel my motivation grow with Osen-chan cheering for me.
“Well, I should go over my notes one last time before the test…”
I finished getting ready and took my bag, leaving the classroom.
Then…
As I was halfway to the student entrance, I heard footsteps coming from the hallway and looked up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, Yamazaki-sen—"
Susumu Yamazaki: "......"
He dashed past without noticing as I called out to him, looking horribly panicked. He looked completely flustered. What had happened to him...?
As I turned my head and asked myself that, my eyes unintentionally caught a fountain pen lying on the floor.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Did Yamazaki-senpai drop this? Let me see..."
[Return it tomorrow]
[Find him to give it back]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I should visit him in his classroom tomorrow..."
Even if I chased him without knowing his whereabouts, I might just end up going the wrong way.
Just as I was thinking that...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yamazaki-senpai!"
My eyes widened in surprise at Yamazaki-senpai coming back this way.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun, did you spot a fountain pen around here by any chance?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Are you talking about this? It fell on the floor over there."
Susumu Yamazaki: "That's it! Thank you!! You saved my life...!"
After Yamazaki took the fountain pen from me, he sped off in a rush.
‘Was it that important to him...?’ Even as that weighed on my mind, I made my way to the entrance hall.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Yo, Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Kaoru."
Kaoru Nagumo: "You've been able to study properly, right? Make sure you don't embarrass me."
As soon as I bumped into Kaoru, he greeted me with snide remarks. That annoyed me, unsurprisingly, so I shot a reply right back at him:
Chizuru Yukimura: "How about you, Kaoru? Will you be alright with how strict the penalties are?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Ha. I'm not the same as you. I actually study every day. If you pay proper attention in classes every day, there's no need to panic this late in the game."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Kaoru Nagumo: "I pity the people who I see doing last-minute cramming right before the test."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Kaoru Nagumo: "...Hey, what's with that creepy smile? What're you planning?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, I just thought it was surprising."
Kaoru Nagumo: "Surprising?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah. It looks like you've always treated classes more seriously than I thought you did. ...It makes me kind of happy."
The moment he heard what I said, he turned away. I could tell from the side that he looked a little shy.
Kaoru Nagumo: "...It's nothing for you to be happy about."
He could never just be honest, could he...
Kaoru Nagumo: "Anyway, even if you mess up, just don't get caught up in any of those penalties."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right back at you."
...Though it was only part-way, walking with Kaoru was kind of fun as well.
As I was thinking to myself about our exchange, I passed through the school gate.
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 I was worried…
I was still feeling nervous when I passed through the school gates.
The tests finally began… I answered all the ones I could, and I did my very best on the other ones!
Minigame Victory
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right. I think I did well."
‘I think I could avoid all the penalties with this.’
I got through the test one way or another, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Then, several days later...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes...!"
I saw the test results posted in the hallway, and the tension left my shoulders as relief flooded me. Kaoru looked at the same notice board from beside me, and shrugged his shoulders.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Well, that's how it is. You did pretty well on your first test."
Susumu Yamazaki: "...Yukimura-kun, Nagumo-kun. How did your first midterm test go?"
Yamazaki called out to us, also looking relieved I knew he'd probably gotten a good grade.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Yamazaki-senpai."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It was fine. Fortunately, I was able to get through it without any trouble!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Only idiots would get penalized from questions of this level."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Come on, why don't you just be honest instead of saying things like that...?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Carelessness makes for a powerful enemy, Nagumo-kun. You are in high school. While it is unfortunate, there will be many times where you will have to study hard."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Right, right. The scope of the tests are still narrow for you lot."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sannan-sensei! And Nagakura-sensei, too...!"
Nagakura-sensei had shown up, laughing and wearing a grin on his face.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I say that, but don't worry! Teachers are allies of hard-working students, after all!"
He clapped Kaoru's shoulder with a smack, and Kaoru pulled a face.
Yamazaki-senpai was there looking after Sannan-sensei. Being surrounded by so many teachers and seniors, I swore to myself that I'd do even better next time.
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 the ‘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.